Power cuts in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia will be expanded, Abkhazian energy company Chornomorenergo said in a statement.
Russia has been delivering “humanitarian” energy to the region, which is facing a severe energy crisis, since Dec. 23
“In connection with the need to save electricity from the Russian Federation, new restrictions on electricity supply will be introduced starting January 9. These measures are aimed at optimizing the use of energy resources and ensuring stable operation of the country’s energy system,” the company said.
According to the new schedule, electricity will be cut off throughout the region for four hours during the day and two hours at night.
Power has thus far been cut for two hours during the day and two at night.
In March, Abkhazian engineers expect the water level at the Ingur HPP reservoir to increase, leading to an increase in energy output from the plant, according to the Interfax news agency.
Abkhazian forecasters believe the weather is expected to worsen in the republic, and that temperatures are expected to drop to the low to mid-forties Fahrenheit during the second half of January.
The energy crisis comes amid political turbulence in Abkhazia, where opposition protests in November ousted the Moscow-backed leader and forced lawmakers to cancel a contentious Russian investment deal.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
