The city authorities explained that the shutdown is related to the need for planned preventive and repair work. The early timing of the shutdown is justified by a number of factors.
According to the Municipal Enterprise "Bishkekteploset," about 68.6% of the heating networks have reached the end of their operational life and need replacement. The increase in the number of damages to pipelines has resulted from a high degree of wear and tear on the infrastructure. For example, while 237 damages were recorded in 2002, by 2025, this number had risen to 426, indicating a twofold increase in emergency situations.
“To ensure a reliable heating season and prepare for the autumn-winter period, extensive repair and restoration work is required. It is particularly challenging to repair main pipelines, which requires significant time,” the city administration added.
Moreover, in recent years, the duration of hydraulic tests on networks has increased: from two days in 2002 to five to seven days in 2024. This is due to the increased length of the sections being tested, the need to conduct tests in two stages, an increase in the number of switches, and the identification of numerous damages during the tests that require prompt resolution.
“It should also be noted that the complete shutdown of heating equipment in May-June occurs during a period of increased consumption of drinking water. This creates additional stress on the cold water supply system, which can lead to reduced pressure and interruptions in water supply,” the city administration pointed out.
Thus, moving the hot water shutdown to an earlier period allows for the timely accumulation of the necessary volumes of water in the water intake facilities and reduces the peak load on the water supply system.The city administration also indicated that during the hot water shutdown in May-June, there is a significant increase in electricity consumption. This is because citizens actively use electric water heaters, and with the onset of warm weather, the load increases due to the widespread use of air conditioners. As a result, the load on the energy system significantly increases.
“Based on the above, for the second consecutive year, the hot water supply shutdown begins in April. We ask residents to understand the temporary inconveniences associated with this procedure. All measures are aimed at ensuring the reliability of the system and creating comfortable conditions for the city's residents,” the Bishkek city administration concluded.
