Tajikistan increases electricity exports to Afghanistan
Tajikistan is increasing electricity exports to Afghanistan by 17 percent, media reported.
Independent media outlet Eurasianet, citing officials from the state-owned electricity company, reported that although the country is currently facing a shortage of electricity at home, it will increase electricity exports to Afghanistan by 17 percent in 2024.
Speaking to reporters on February 13, Barki Tojik head Mahmadumar Asozoda said Tajikistan is poised this year to increase electricity sales to Afghanistan by 17 percent.
Barki Tojik exported 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours in 2023, which was 124 million kilowatt-hours more than the year before. Of that total, some 1.6 billion kilowatt-hours were supplied to Afghanistan, Asozoda said. Another 907.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity was sold to Uzbekistan, and the remaining 144.6 million kilowatt hours went to Kazakhstan.
The power company chief revealed this data and export plans for 2024 while also conceding that Tajik households may again have to endure electricity rationing.
A rationing regime has been in force for a number of winters in Tajikistan. When the temperature sinks below a certain level, output from the Nurek hydropower plant, which produces most of the country’s electricity needs, grinds to a near-halt.
Under the economy regime currently in place, households outside the country’s largest urban centers ensure blackouts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and then from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Asia-Plus news website reported that Asozoda attributed this requirement to Tajikistan’s rapidly growing population and improving living standards, which he said were driving up demand.
