Electricity - The Times Of Central Asia

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Electricity

Uzbekistan to Supply Electricity to Kazakhstan and Afghanistan in 2026

Uzbekistan will supply 900 million kilowatt-hours of electricity to Kazakhstan between March and December 2026, according to a statement by the Kazakh Ministry of Energy. The agreement was formalized on September 7 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, during a trilateral meeting of energy and water authorities from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The meeting produced several protocols aimed at stabilizing the region’s water and energy balance. A key component includes coordinated water releases from Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul Reservoir in exchange for electricity supplied by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan. The parties also finalized transit arrangements for Russian electricity flowing to Kyrgyzstan via Kazakhstan’s grid. These measures are designed to ensure adequate irrigation for southern Kazakhstan during the next growing season and to maintain critical water levels in the reservoir. Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov emphasized that the protocols include “specific figures, timelines, and prices,” underscoring that strict compliance with the agreed schedule is essential to maintaining stability in both electricity supply and water resource management. The electricity deal with Uzbekistan is expected to help offset power shortages in Kazakhstan’s southern grid during planned maintenance work at domestic power stations. Uzbekistan Supports Afghanistan’s Energy Sector In parallel, Uzbekistan has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s efforts to modernize its electricity infrastructure. The Uzbek Ministry of Energy reported that a high-level investment conference was recently held in Kabul, drawing officials from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, along with representatives from international organizations and diplomatic missions. As part of the conference, a financial agreement was signed for the construction of new power transmission lines and substations with capacities ranging from 220 to 500 kilovolts. The project is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2027. Uzbekistan also pledged to assist Afghanistan in modernizing its power distribution networks, implementing smart metering technologies, and providing technical expertise to improve energy delivery and reliability.

Electricity

Afghanistan Generates 250 MW of Electricity, Imports 800 MW from Central Asia and Iran

Afghanistan’s state-owned electricity company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), has signed or prepared agreements for domestic power generation projects totaling 1,070 megawatts over the past 11 months, with 70% of the funding coming from foreign investors, TOLOnews reported. Speaking in an interview, DABS chief Abdulbari Omar said the initiative marks a significant step toward energy self-sufficiency after years of underinvestment in the sector. “In the past 11 months, we have invested 69 billion Afghanis ($1.01 billion), 70% of which came from abroad. This shows we have encouraged foreign investors to enter the Afghan market,” he said. Afghanistan currently produces about 250 MW of electricity domestically and imports around 800 MW from Turkmenistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, at an annual cost of $250-280 million. Omar said the country would need between 6,000 and 7,000 MW to meet domestic demand, rising to 10,000 MW if industrial activity expands. He acknowledged the challenges of developing power from wind, water, gas, coal, and waste, but stressed that projects are moving forward with domestic funds and private investment, without relying on the World Bank or other international organizations. Omar also highlighted the problem of unpaid bills, citing 450 million Afghanis ($6.48 million) owed by former political leaders and warlords. “All individuals, from ministers to ordinary citizens, are treated equally under the law,” he said, noting that power has been cut to ministers who failed to pay. Last year, The Times of Central Asia reported that DABS extended its electricity import agreement with Uzbekistan until the end of 2025. The deal, signed in Uzbekistan by Omar and the National Electricity Company of Uzbekistan, remains vital for meeting Afghanistan’s needs. According to the Taliban-controlled Ministry of Energy and Water, Afghanistan requires around 1,500 MW of electricity, with roughly 720 MW imported and the rest generated domestically.

Crime

Tajikistan Authorities Step Up Crackdown on Illegal Mining and Electricity Theft

Tajikistan’s Prosecutor General Khabibullo Vokhidzoda has reported a rise in illegal cryptocurrency mining operations and electricity theft across the country. Illegal Cryptocurrency Mining In the first half of 2025, authorities identified and recovered 32 million somoni ($3.52 million) in damages linked to stolen electricity used to power cryptocurrency mining equipment. “There are individuals who import mining equipment from abroad and operate cryptocurrency farms illegally,” Vokhidzoda said. Currently, 4-5 criminal cases are under investigation involving the installation and operation of such devices. Cryptocurrency, he noted, is a digital currency maintained through a decentralized payment system, with mining requiring high-powered computers, stable internet, and substantial electricity consumption. Although Tajikistan does not have a legal framework regulating cryptocurrency mining, law enforcement regularly shuts down illegal farms. Recently, the Sughd Region Prosecutor’s Office uncovered seven cases in which 135 mining devices were found operating inside residential buildings, causing an estimated 287,939 somoni ($31,673) in damages. Widespread Electricity Theft Illegal electricity use remains a major problem. Since January, 3,988 individuals have faced administrative or disciplinary action, while 190 criminal cases have been opened. The total damages recovered so far amount to 38.7 million somoni ($4.26 million). Electricity debts are also mounting: subscribers accumulated 273 million somoni ($30 million) in unpaid bills in the first half of 2025. Nationwide, total arrears stand at 4.6 billion somoni ($506 million), with 1.6 billion somoni ($176 million) owed by households and the rest by enterprises and organizations. Tougher Penalties Introduced This year, Tajikistan increased fines for electricity theft and non-payment. Under the Criminal Code, violations can now result in fines from 27,000 to 90,000 somoni ($2,970-$9,900) or imprisonment for three to ten years. The Administrative Offenses Code also provides for fines ranging from 1,500 to 22,500 somoni ($165-$2,475) for misuse of electricity and heat.

Energy Infrastructure

Kyrgyz Authorities Upgrade Energy Infrastructure in Conflict-Affected Batken Region

Authorities in Kyrgyzstan have modernized more than 600 kilometers of high-voltage power lines in the Batken region and launched construction of a new power substation near the Tajik border, an area impacted by armed clashes in 2022. According to the National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan (NEGK), stable and uninterrupted power supply has been ensured across all settlements in the region during the first half of 2025. Major repairs extended to remote mountainous areas prone to natural hazards, where energy workers replaced over 2,500 outdated porcelain insulators, enhancing grid reliability. Much of the infrastructure was located in landslide-prone and difficult-to-access terrain. “To prevent natural disasters, particularly floods, and ensure the safety of electrical equipment, we reinforced overhead power lines using gabions, stone materials, wire ties, and specialized equipment,” the NEGK reported. The Batken region experienced prolonged blackouts following the 2022 Kyrgyz-Tajik border conflict, which left 32 settlements without electricity. Although power was restored within a year, much of the infrastructure had not been updated for decades. Local officials now say outages should become rare. Construction has also begun on a new substation valued at $800,000 near the Tajik border, with completion expected by October 2025. The facility will supply electricity to an 800-hectare area, including the newly built village of Zhan Dostuk. The village is designated for residents displaced from areas transferred to Tajikistan under an intergovernmental agreement. Power will also extend to the planned city of Batken City, newly constructed state-owned mortgage housing, a large Russian-language school, and a stadium with a capacity of 10,000 spectators. Additionally, the region remains a key hub for the CASA-1000 project, which aims to export electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan, an initiative that officials say will strengthen energy infrastructure across Central Asia.

Electricity

Kyrgyzstan Sets New Summer Electricity Consumption Record

Kyrgyzstan has recorded a new peak in daily electricity consumption during the summer season, reaching 44.1 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) in a single day, according to the National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan (NEGK). This marks a 22% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when the maximum daily load stood at 36 million kWh. The surge is largely attributed to an extended heatwave, with temperatures in major cities exceeding 40°C, prompting heavy use of air conditioners and cooling systems. The NEGK also reported a steady rise in electricity consumers, with an estimated 30,000 new subscribers joining the grid annually. This trend is fueled by Kyrgyzstan’s ongoing construction boom, which includes the development of residential complexes and industrial sites, sectors that have become pillars of the national economy. Despite the strain, the power grid remains stable. “We urge citizens to use electricity sparingly. Rational resource use contributes to the reliable operation of the energy system,” the company stated in a public advisory. Residents were also encouraged to unplug unused appliances to conserve energy. Summer Surplus, Winter Strain Unlike the winter months, Kyrgyzstan typically enjoys a surplus of electricity in summer due to the seasonal melting of glaciers, which boosts hydroelectric output. The country is preparing to participate in the CASA-1000 project alongside Tajikistan, aiming to export surplus electricity to Pakistan via Afghanistan. These exports will be limited to the summer, as Kyrgyzstan faces significant energy shortages in winter. According to the National Energy and Power System Company, winter electricity demand can reach 80 million kWh per day, placing substations under considerable stress. To mitigate shortages and prevent rolling blackouts, Kyrgyzstan imports electricity from Kazakhstan and Russia, and under contracts with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The country’s energy reserve capacity is shrinking due to increasing demand. In response, the Ministry of Energy is investing in network expansion and voltage stabilization. In 2024, five 110 kV substations were constructed. In 2025, two additional major facilities are slated to open in the Issyk-Kul and Batken regions, each with a capacity of 500 kWh.

Electricity

Tajikistan to Supply Rogun Hydropower to Uzbekistan at 3.4 Cents per kWh

Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to a new phase of energy cooperation that will see electricity from Tajikistan’s Rogun Hydropower Plant (HPP) exported to Uzbekistan at an initial price of 3.4 US cents per kilowatt-hour, according to Tajikistan’s Ministry of Justice legal information portal. The price, which includes a zero-rated VAT, will increase by 1% annually starting in the second year of supply. Deliveries are scheduled primarily during periods of planned shortages in Uzbekistan’s energy system and will follow an approved schedule coordinated by the countries’ respective system operators. The volume and technical details of the supply arrangement will be formalized in a separate electricity purchase agreement between Rogun HPP and Uzbekistan’s Uzenergosotish company. Electricity will be transmitted via interstate power lines, supplementing ongoing exports from Tajikistan’s national utility Barki Tojik. Regional Energy Integration The Rogun HPP, a key component of Tajikistan’s long-term energy strategy, is also drawing interest from Kazakhstan, which recently announced its intent to purchase electricity from the plant. The price for Kazakhstan is likewise set at $0.034 per kWh, excluding VAT, and subject to an additional transit fee based on seller-incurred costs. Payments are to be made within 35 days of each delivery period. During the plant's current construction phase, electricity exports will occur only during the vegetation season (April 1 to September 30). Once Rogun reaches full operational capacity, deliveries will expand to year-round. Agreement Terms and Project Outlook The bilateral agreement will enter into force once both governments complete their domestic legal procedures and confirm implementation via diplomatic channels. The initial agreement term is 20 years, with automatic 10-year extensions, unless one party opts out by notifying the other at least six months prior to expiration. Tajikistan has exported electricity to Uzbekistan every summer since 2018, strengthening energy ties in a region historically marked by infrastructure fragmentation. Upon completion, Rogun HPP will be the largest hydropower facility in Central Asia, with an installed capacity of 3,780 megawatts (MW) and estimated annual output of 14.4 billion kWh. Currently, two of the plant’s six turbines are operating at partial capacity, having come online in 2018 and 2019. Full commissioning of the sixth unit is expected by 2029. In 2024, Rogun generated 1.22 billion kWh, contributing 5.5% of Tajikistan’s total electricity production, according to the Ministry of Energy.