Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Help Kyrgyzstan Avert Energy Crisis

Kyrgyzstan is bracing for a difficult winter as fears grow over looming heating and electricity shortages caused by critically low water levels in the Toktogul Reservoir - the country’s main hydropower source and a vital supplier of irrigation water for Central Asia.

To help stabilize the situation, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have pledged emergency support, The Caspian Post reports via foreign media.

In late November, officials from all three states met in Almaty and signed a legally binding agreement to balance water and energy needs. Under the deal, Kyrgyzstan will limit the use of Toktogul’s water for electricity generation this winter to ensure enough reserves for downstream irrigation in 2026. In exchange, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will supply electricity to Bishkek to ensure the country makes it through the heating season without major disruptions.

All sides also committed to a joint water-conservation campaign, though details about enforcement were not disclosed. The measures come as Kyrgyz authorities roll out their own austerity plan: government buildings must switch off lights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. (GMT+6), while restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues are required to close by 10 p.m. Tajikistan has introduced similar restrictions amid regional water shortages.

Local reports warn that Kyrgyzstan’s water stress index has entered “pre-crisis” territory. Beyond this winter, officials are developing long-term solutions. At a December 1 meeting, Deputy Water Resources Minister Almaz Zheenaliev highlighted key elements of a new 15-year National Water Strategy, including building new reservoirs, modernizing irrigation, digitalizing water management, and creating basin authorities. Funding for these projects has yet to be clarified.

Kyrgyz leaders also point to climate change as a major factor complicating planning. Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov said in October that the country’s hydrological cycle has shifted significantly, adding: “This year we were supposed to overcome water shortages, but instead they have intensified.”