DUSHANBE, April 13, 2011, Asia-Plus — Every day, water level in the reservoir powering the Norak hydroelectricity power plant (HPP) is rising 5-10 centimeters and today, it is at 856.90 meters, which is 10 centimeters below the minimum level of 857 meters, Nozirjon Yodgori, a spokesman for Barqi Tojik power holding, told Asia-Plus Wednesday afternoon.
According to him, the Barqi Tojik specialists expect the water level in the Norak reservoir to rise above that point tomorrow.
“In the meantime, current water flow in the Vakhsh River is 388 cubic meters per second,” said the spokesman, “However, it is still low compared with 833 cubic meters per second this time last year.”
We will be able to speak about ending electricity rationing in the country only after the water flow in the Vakhsh River rises to 550-600 cubic meters per second, he added.
The authorities say a lack of water in reservoirs is responsible for the rationing of electricity in Tajikistan. The unseasonably cold weather has reportedly delayed the melting of the mountain snow, which accounts for the reduced flow of the Vakhsh River.
Electricity rationing is usually introduced in Tajikistan in November and lasts through April next year. Measures seeking to curb the country’s rising electricity consumption are usually introduced in all regions except Dushanbe. In addition to curbing rising consumption, the move also stems from a decline in the water level in the Norak reservoir.
This year, electricity rationing was imposed on the Tajik capital as well. Since March 25, electricity supply to residential customers in some areas of Dushanbe has been cut off from 24:00 to 5:00 am; there are no limitations on power to strategic buildings in the city. In the meantime, power to other parts of the country is distributed sporadically.
