DUSHANBE October 2, 2009, Asia-Plus — Uzbekistan’s intention to quit the Central Asian common power system is unrealizable, Tajik MP Shodi Shabdolov, who is power engineering specialist, said in an interview with Asia-Plus, commenting on reports released by some media about Uzbekistan’s intention to quit the Central Asian common power system.
According to him, this is unrealizable for technical and economic reasons. “Most likely, Uzbekistan has made this statement for the purpose of raising rates of its electricity and transit fees for supplying electricity via its power systems,” Shabdolov said.
He also added that it could not be ruled that the statement was also politically motivated. “All know Uzbekistan’s attitude to construction of large hydropower facilities in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and most likely, this statement released through media is another instrument of Uzbeks to make pressure n their neighbors,” the expert said.