Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has sharply criticized government institutions for misinterpreting his directive on electricity conservation and warned officials against putting pressure on ordinary citizens and small businesses. The report was released by Kabar news agency.
According to the presidential administration, Japarov sent an urgent message to ministers, state agencies and regional governors via WhatsApp, noting that his order had been misunderstood at the local level.
“I asked you to save electricity, but that does not mean you should harass private households or small entrepreneurs. You caused unnecessary fear among the population,” the president said.
Japarov clarified that the instruction applies solely to state institutions — from village offices to the central “Yntymak-Ordo” building. He emphasized that government offices must reduce electricity consumption after 6 p.m. by switching off lights and unused equipment.
“In many institutions, lights remain on in corridors and offices even after working hours. Energy saving must start with us,” he stressed.
He also ordered regional leaders to monitor compliance, especially in schools and educational facilities. “If in any district lights remain on in public buildings, it means the local leadership is not doing its job,” Japarov warned.
The president concluded by reassuring the public that the measures would not affect households: “There is no need to fear. The country has enough electricity. The recent alarm was caused by the National Power Grid acting without coordination with the ministry.”
