The heads of the energy industry reported to the Head of State on the current state of the energy system and the measures being taken to prepare for the winter season.

The Head of the Power Marketing Administration, Said Blabba, said that, in accordance with the instructions of the President, the installation of electricity metering devices is continuing. To date, about 26,000 devices have been installed.

The program is implemented in two stages: initially, metering devices are installed in apartment buildings, then work will be carried out in the private sector. At the same time, it is planned to replace indoor electrical wiring in apartment buildings. To date, this part of the program has been completed by 52 percent.

Blabba noted that certain difficulties arise in rural areas, where a significant part of the power transmission lines are in poor condition.

"Chernomorenergo" is replacing them on its own. At the same time, due to the large volume of work, complete the program in full. 

It won't be possible until the end of this year. The work will be continued next year, and the necessary funds have been provided.

Positive dynamics is also noted in the issue of payment for consumed electricity. According to the results of the last month, the collection rate was about 70 percent.

Said Blabba also noted the extensive functionality of the "Chernomorenergo" mobile application, which, in particular, creates additional convenience for citizens when interacting with the enterprise.

The President stressed that the state pays special attention to the installation of electricity metering devices. Badra Gunba noted that in many countries, the cost of installing meters is borne by the citizens themselves, but the leadership of Abkhazia, taking into account the financial situation of the population, decided to take these costs on themselves.

The Head of State also noted the existing cases of opposition to the installation of metering devices. According to him, such actions threaten the stability of the entire country's energy system.

"This is a very useful system. It is being implemented not only to increase fundraising. This is both economy, accounting, and, first of all, the issue of energy security of our state," Badra Gunba stressed.

The President instructed the management of "Chernomorenergo" to strengthen information and explanatory work, to bring to the attention of citizens the need to install metering devices and to explain the importance of this program for ensuring the energy security of the republic.

""Regarding the preparations for the winter period," "Chernomorenergo"" CEO Timur Djindjolia reported on preliminary negotiations with Inter RAO on the purchase and supply of electricity from the Russian Federation on a commercial basis.

According to him, supplies are necessary to maintain the water level in the Inguri reservoir and ensure its sufficient filling by the beginning of the winter period.

Today, the water level in the reservoir is 510 meters. This is the maximum mark that can be reached. However, with the onset of cold weather, a significant increase in electricity consumption is expected in Abkhazia, which will lead to a decrease in water levels.

If necessary, commercial electricity supplies from Russia can begin in the second half of September and continue in October, November and December.

Timur Djindjolia noted that by the end of this year, "Chernomorenergo" specialists had analyzed the technical and financial capabilities of the enterprise. According to him, there is hope that the issue of providing electricity by the end of the year will be resolved independently within the capabilities of "Chernomorenergo".

Speaking about next year, he noted that the planned volume of social transfer is 170 million kilowatt-hours. According to preliminary estimates, this is about half of the amount of electricity that the republic will need next year.

The remaining deficit will need to be covered through additional purchases and related financial resources.

President Badra Gunba stressed that it is necessary to do everything possible to prevent system failures and power outages, as last year.

"All efforts and resources must be directed to maintaining the working condition of the energy system, the vital activity of the state as a whole and the comfort of citizens," the Head of State said.

The President noted that despite the current high water level in the Ingur reservoir, the causes that previously created difficulties for the energy system have not been completely eliminated. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare in advance for a possible shortage of electricity.

Badra Gunba instructed to provide the necessary financial resources to cover the electricity shortage next year. At the same time, according to him, it is necessary to ensure the technical possibility of supplying electricity from the Russian Federation and continue working with Russian colleagues on possible mechanisms to resolve the issue, including considering the possibility of postponing payment for the supplied electricity.

"It will be necessary to use various mechanisms to ensure stable energy supply and functioning of the country," the President stressed.

The Head of State set the task for the management of "Chernomorenergo" to submit concrete proposals by the end of September to provide the population with electricity in winter and to prevent power outages.

"These tasks are extremely important, and the goals must be achieved," Badra Gunba said.