The Russian-backed authorities in the breakaway Georgian republic of Abkhazia have decided to suspend school for one week starting December 10 due to the region’s ongoing energy crisis. Acting Prime Minister Valery Bganba made the announcement on Monday. The unrecognized republic’s energy security headquarters has also urged local Internet providers to implement nightly shutdowns across the republic.
This move aims to combat illegal cryptocurrency mining, which is exacerbating the energy shortage. According to Russian state media, Internet access will be cut off from midnight to 7:00 a.m. on December 10. Abkhazia began imposing electricity supply restrictions in November.
The self-declared republic relies primarily on power transfers from Russia and the Enguri hydroelectric power plant. However, the plant’s output has been reduced due to critically low water levels in the Jvari Reservoir. A new power outage schedule was introduced in Abkhazia on December 9.
Electricity will be supplied twice a day for two hours and 20 minutes. Nighttime restrictions have not been implemented previously. On December 10, the Abkhazian government plans to discuss the potential declaration of a state of emergency in the energy sector.
The energy crisis has escalated, leading to the implementation of a “power-on schedule.”
Electricity will now be available across the republic for only 4 hours and 40 minutes during the day. An uninterrupted supply is promised from 9 PM to 7 AM. Abkhazia typically faces electricity shortages in winter due to reduced output from the Inguri Hydropower Plant, the republic’s sole power source.
However, in recent years, this “seasonal crisis” has been worsened by uncontrolled cryptocurrency mining. Cryptocurrency mining has increased overall electricity consumption by one-third.
Abkhazia suspends school amid crisis
Abkhazia previously received additional electricity from external sources, some at a discounted rate and some as part of socio-economic assistance. However, after failing to fulfill commitments to the Kremlin, such as passing a law allowing Russians to purchase residential property, this support ended. Russia now sells electricity to Abkhazia at a market rate, which the republic cannot afford.
The state budget lacks the funds to cover the energy deficit. This has led to the enforcement of strict energy-saving measures starting November 1. Initially, electricity cuts lasted 4 hours, then 6, and now nearly 10 hours.
Experts warn the situation may worsen. Social media is filled with outrage and proposals. One suggestion is to turn off the internet at night to prevent cryptocurrency mining and save power for important events, such as New Year celebrations.
The energy crisis has also prompted political action. The opposition Telegram channel “Apsny Khabar” has detailed a plan to overcome the crisis by holding responsible parties accountable. They propose appointing a new prosecutor general, independent of the current government, whose term ends on December 12.
They also call for launching investigations into crimes in critical sectors and replacing the leadership of Abkhaz television to prevent manipulation and concealment of the truth. “Apsny Khabar” declares the need for justice through an independent prosecution system and objective investigations. They emphasize criminal cases and the confiscation of property from corrupt officials as essential steps toward change.
As the crisis unfolds, the call for accountability and structural reform grows louder. The people of Abkhazia see this as a pivotal moment for change in the region.
