He noted that his name had already been mentioned in discussions and that the problems being discussed today are related to his involvement in key processes in the energy sector. Isakov emphasized that Japarov's statements about the causes of the energy crisis are not accurate and that the president is receiving distorted information.
Regarding the Bishkek CHPP
Isakov pointed out that Japarov's claims that no power plants were built from 2011 to 2017 are not factual. He reminded about the modernization of the CHPP in Bishkek and the construction of new capacities.“Accusations of inflated costs for modernization and corruption are unfounded and are a result of the political struggle that began under Sooronbay Jeenbekov. The project was implemented with the participation of the Export-Import Bank of China, which excluded the involvement of Kyrgyz officials in corrupt schemes. Comparisons with Tajik projects are also misleading, as key aspects have been overlooked,” Isakov added.
In his opinion, the Kyrgyz agreement turned out to be one of the most beneficial and transparent in the region, and attempts to contrast it with the Tajik experience serve as a continuation of the political struggle.
“This campaign aims at political retribution and continues despite the obvious fact: the modernized CHPP today protects Bishkek from outages, unlike the failures at old facilities, the repair costs of which the authorities are concealing,” Isakov noted.
Upper Naryn Cascade
Isakov also recalled the agreement with "RusHydro" in 2012 for the construction of the Upper Naryn Cascade of hydropower plants. According to this agreement, the Russian side was to provide 100% of the investments, while Kyrgyzstan was to prepare the site for construction. In 2015, the project was suspended due to financial difficulties on the part of Russia.“The project was effectively frozen, and the Jogorku Kenesh denounced the agreement. After that, 'RusHydro' demanded $37 million in compensation, but the Kyrgyz side proposed conducting an independent audit, which the Russian side refused and went to court. The purpose of the denunciation was to allow Kyrgyzstan to seek new investors without being tied to 'RusHydro', which acknowledged the impossibility of continuing the project,” Isakov noted.
Reconstruction of the Toktogul HPP
According to Isakov, key decisions regarding the reconstruction of the Toktogul HPP were made in 2016, and actual work began in May 2017.“Strategic agreements and financing relate to the period of Atambaev's rule, and subsequent stages became a continuation of the already initiated course, rather than new initiatives. I urge experts to double-check the information I provided,” he added.
Electricity Deficit Situation
Isakov drew attention to the operation of mining farms in the country. Earlier, Kamchybek Tashiev stated that their activities would be suspended until the end of March 2026 due to a lack of energy.“Unfortunately, the population is now forced to live by schedules of outages and save every kilowatt, while mining farms continue to consume huge amounts of energy. Society is unaware of the real return from this sector. The question arises: was an honest analysis of costs and benefits conducted, and does the potential profit justify the risks that mining poses to the country's energy security?” Isakov noted.
The former prime minister also emphasized that business in Kyrgyzstan is not protected in the current situation.
“Entrepreneurs express dissatisfaction with the rough treatment and lack of support. Where are the tax and credit concessions that could help compensate for losses from outages?” he asked.
Isakov insists that society has the right to demand clear information from the authorities regarding measures to address the crisis, forecasts of the deficit, and its consequences for the economy and social sphere.
“People expect not fragmented statements but a cohesive action plan with specific calculations and forecasts,” he concluded.
He added that the authorities should carefully analyze the situation and be open with society. Using rhetoric about the guilt of predecessors does not solve current problems.
Accusations against the "last 30 years" will not help solve current problems and strengthen the energy system. Today, conditions are imposed on the people rather than created for them.“Regardless of attempts to deny the obvious, the responsibility lies with those who have taken on the powers and promises to the people. Their decisions shape the current state of the country,” Isakov concluded.
