DUSHANBE, April 6, Asia-Plus – Tajikistan has lifted electricity rationing in the provinces.

According to Barqi Tojik (Tajik electric systems) power holding, the electricity rationing that had been effective in all regions except Dushanbe since late October was lifted on April 5.  

The electricity rationing is usually introduced in Tajikistan in October and last though April next year.  The measures are introduced in all regions except Dushanbe and seek to curb the country’s rising electricity consumption.  The move also stems from a decline in the water level in the reservoir powering the country’s largest hydroelectric power station (HPS) Norak.   

This time, in connection with low water level at the Norak HPS even some areas of Dushanbe experienced limits on electricity consumption in the winter. 

The source at Barqi Tojik said that due to warm weather mountain snow had melted and led to increase in the water levels in the Vakhsh River.  In addition to this, recent heavy rains also resulted in increase in the water levels, according to him.  “The country’s main power plants now generate electrical power at the rate of more than 35 million kWh per day,” the source said, adding that the Norak HPS accounts for some 71.5 percent (20 million-22 million kWh) of electricity generated in Tajikistan.