Increase in Electricity Tariffs
As of May 1, 2025, electricity tariffs in Kyrgyzstan increased again. The new rates are as follows:1. For residential users:
- for consumption up to 700 kWh, the tariff rose from 1.11 to 1.37 som/kWh (an increase of 23.8%), with a further increase of 20% annually;
- for consumption over 700 kWh, the tariff increased from 2.39 to 2.60 som/kWh (by 8.5% — taking into account inflation and a 3.5% change in the dollar exchange rate).
Additionally, the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan decided that the standard annual tariff increase is insufficient and proposed to implement differentiated tariffs for three categories of consumers: "Electric Vehicle Charging Stations," "Industrial," and "Commercial." The cost of electricity will depend on the time of day, but for now, this is just a project, and no information has been provided about the implementation of new tariffs. They may be realized in 2026.
Problems with Power Outages
Despite the increase in tariffs, electricity problems in Kyrgyzstan remain relevant. The situation is exacerbated by capacity shortages, especially in winter. This became particularly noticeable in 2025.The situation began to deteriorate in September when Energy Minister Talaybek Ibraev announced critically low water levels in reservoirs. He warned that the upcoming winter would be extremely challenging. Residents started complaining about constant power outages. The Chui Electric Networks Company reported temporary measures due to equipment repairs.
By November, the situation became even more critical. Energy workers halved the capacity of electricity meters, which was acknowledged only after mass complaints. Commercial users were prohibited from using outdoor lighting and were required to reduce its overall use.
In early November, the government adopted a resolution imposing restrictions on lighting in government institutions after 6:00 PM, including schools, which were switched to energy-saving mode. The head of the State Committee for National Security, Kamchybek Tashiev, was prohibited from holding events in cafes and restaurants after 10:00 PM, which caused negative reactions and required presidential intervention. Sadyr Japarov urged officials not to take excessive measures, leading to a softening of requirements for businesses.
It is important to note that despite all the problems, Energy Minister Talaybek Ibraev assured that there is no crisis in the country's energy sector, and citizens should not panic, as the ministry knows how to handle such difficulties.
So far, no new restrictions for energy conservation have been introduced. The warm weather allows for avoiding an increase in consumption, but what will happen on cold days remains to be seen.
Development of New Power Stations
Despite the difficulties, work continues in the country on the construction of new energy capacities to reduce the gap between electricity production and consumption. However, these are mostly small projects. Large-scale stations are either under construction or awaiting funding.In 2025, Kaktus.media reported on the following new power plants:
- On December 24, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, opened the first solar power plant with a capacity of 100 megawatts in the Kemin district with investments of $56 million.
- A small hydropower plant "Shamshy" was launched in the Chui region, financed by the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund for $1 million.
- Renovation of hydro units at the Toktogul and Uch-Kurgan hydropower plants has been completed. The capacity of the Toktogul hydropower plant increased from 1,200 to 1,440 MW, and the units at the Uch-Kurgan hydropower plant were modernized, increasing capacity by 18 MW. The renovation of the remaining units is expected to be completed in 2026, which will increase total capacity by 36 MW.
- The Kara-Kul hydropower plant was launched with two units of 18 MW capacity, and the project cost was $25 million. The hydropower plant will be transferred to the state in 15 years.
- On the eve of Independence Day, hydropower plants "Ysyk-Ata-2" were launched in the Ysyk-Ata district and in the Ak-Suu district on the Boz-Uchuk River.
Status of Kambar-Ata-1
The key project in the energy sector in 2025 was the construction of the Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower plant. Attempts to launch this project began back in 2020, and since then Kyrgyzstan has been actively discussing the need for funding.The general plan for the Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower plant includes the construction of a rock-fill dam, a hydropower plant building with four hydro units, and associated infrastructure. It is expected that construction will take nine years, and the first hydro unit will be commissioned in seven years, provided that funding is available. The most challenging stage of the project is the construction of a dam 256 meters high.
In January 2023, the energy ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed an agreement on the Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower plant. In June 2024, a memorandum on the joint implementation of the project was signed, and a Coordinating Donor Committee was established.
In 2025, an updated feasibility study for the project was presented, but its actual cost has not yet been disclosed. In October, it became known that the European Union agreed to allocate $2.4 billion for the implementation of Kambar-Ata-1. This decision was made at the Global Gateway forum in Brussels on October 9-10, 2025. In December, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, announced the start of funding for the hydropower plant in 2026.
