Energy Ministry Secures Loan to Upgrade to Smart Meters
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has recently approved a €14.2 million funding agreement with the Ministry of Energy in Kyrgyzstan. This funding will be used to purchase meters for the Automated System for Monitoring and Accounting of Energy Resources.
The agreement, which was approved by the Committee on Fuel and Energy Complex, Subsoil Use and Industrial Policy of the Kyrgyz Parliament, includes €9.2 million as a loan for 18 years with a three-year grace period, and €5 million as a grant.
With this funding, the Ministry of Energy will be able to purchase smart meters and aerial bundled cables. Deputy Minister of Energy Nurlan Sadykov has highlighted that these meters will be installed for household consumers free of charge.
A total of 150,000 meters will be purchased, which is expected to reduce electricity losses by 2 percent. Currently, electricity losses in Kyrgyzstan stand at 11.65 percent, and by implementing these new meters, this is projected to decrease to 9.65 percent. This reduction is estimated to save approximately 670 million soms per year.
This initiative not only aims to improve energy efficiency in the country but also to reduce costs for consumers and the government. The EBRD’s support in this project demonstrates their commitment to promoting sustainable development and modernizing energy infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan.
