Extreme Heat Causes Widespread Power Outages in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is experiencing widespread power outages, which the national electric grid operator, NESK, attributes to an intense heatwave and a surge in electricity demand. The country's power infrastructure is struggling to cope with the record-breaking consumption.

On July 19, daily electricity consumption hit a new high of 50.1 million kilowatt-hours. This figure represents an 18% increase compared to the same day last year, highlighting the significant strain on the power system. NESK reported that the equipment is operating at its limits due to the excessive load, necessitating emergency measures.

To prevent further damage and maintain grid stability, NESK has implemented temporary, preventative power outages in certain areas of Bishkek and the Chuy region. The company assures the public that these disruptions are limited to a maximum of two hours.

The current situation follows a major power system accident on July 17, which left Bishkek, the Chuy region, and other areas without electricity. High-voltage lines "Kara-Balta, Main" and "Main, Shu" experienced emergency shutdowns, triggering automatic load shedding. The subsequent sharp rise in consumption, driven by the heat and widespread use of air conditioners, prompted energy providers to introduce these temporary, regulated outages to avert new accidents and protect vital equipment.