The Abkhaz authorities announced the introduction of preferential electricity tariffs.

Electricity benefits have been introduced for four categories of Abkhazia residents, effective January 1. In the three years since the peak of mining development in Abkhazia, electricity consumption has decreased by almost a third, authorities reported.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on March 5, the new president of Abkhazia, Badra Gunba, at a meeting with Vladimir Putin, asked for an extension of the electricity supply from Russia, explaining that the volume of humanitarian electricity received was "practically exhausted." Following this, Russia provided Abkhazia with additional electricity free of charge until April 15.

07:48 13.12.2024

Energy Crisis in Abkhazia The crisis was the result of government negligence.

The crisis was caused by the government's short-sightedness, which failed to ensure economic stability and modernize infrastructure, analysts noted.

The Abkhaz government will introduce new benefits for electricity consumers starting January 1, 2026, Energy Minister Batal Mushba told Abkhaz Television.

He explained that this decision was made "in response to public demand for social justice." He added that 50% discounts on electricity bills will be introduced for rural teachers, people with first-degree disabilities, large families (with three or more minor children), and women officially registered as single mothers, according to a post published on the television company's Telegram channel on the evening of December 20.

Batal Mushba also announced that the "peak mining" in Abkhazia has passed. "We had a peak in energy consumption in 2022, when consumption amounted to almost 3 billion kilowatt-hours. This is an unprecedented figure. Consumption today in the Republic of Abkhazia is almost 2.1 billion kilowatt-hours. That is, the fight against illegal consumption (and we understand that 2022 is the peak of mining development in the Republic of Abkhazia, illegal connections) is underway," the minister said.

12:42 20.12.2024

The energy crisis has hit residents Abkhazia

Amid the energy crisis in Abkhazia, a mobile operator warned of power outages, bakeries raised prices, and generator thefts from businesses and institutions increased.

As a reminder, on December 21, 2024, Badra Gunba, then acting President of Abkhazia, asked the Russian authorities for humanitarian electricity supplies. Russia began humanitarian electricity supplies on December 23, but by January 2, the company Chernomorenergo reinstated its power outage schedule. The restrictions were lifted only on February 7.

In February 2023, Chernomorenergo also introduced a power outage schedule. The restrictions were then explained by the fact that the electricity flow from Russia did not cover electricity costs. Earlier, in November 2022, Abkhazia received a power surge from Russia for the third time in two years to fill the power shortage. However, the power outages continued.

Abkhazia residents reported that, amid the power supply problems, the elderly and children were the most vulnerable. Their homes and apartments were cold, and many of those with stoves were unable to buy firewood due to the suspension of social benefits. On December 9, 2024, Abkhazia residents complained on social media that they were experiencing problems heating their homes due to government electricity savings.

According to analysts, the energy crisis was also caused by cryptocurrency mining, which has become a problem in Abkhazia due to its widespread use and corruption.