According to Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission member Givi Sanikidze, although there were many attempts to install meters in the past, they were unsuccessful due to resistance from the population. Therefore, it was decided that all consumers would be subject to a government decision. He said that consumers should pay for consumed kilowatt-hours, with certain benefits taken into account.

Sanikidze stated that solving the problem will lead to payment for consumed electricity, while benefits will be maintained and certain limits will be introduced for a defined period.

“The Georgian government made a correct and important decision. It was necessary for state institutions to become involved and resolve the problem. If electricity consumption is fully metered, this will lead to consumers becoming accustomed to paying tariffs. In addition, ‘Energo-Pro Georgia’ will have the opportunity to rehabilitate the grid, which will positively affect its condition.

When consumers do not pay tariffs, this negatively affects the energy company and its financial stability. Those costs must be covered by the electricity company; otherwise, it cannot properly serve consumers. Therefore, solving the problem will lead to payment for consumed electricity, while benefits will be preserved and certain limits will be applied for a period of time.

When electricity consumption decreases, the electricity company will purchase less electricity, and losses will also decrease.

There were many attempts at installing meters, but they were unsuccessful due to resistance from the population. Therefore, it was decided that all consumers would be subject to a government decision. Payment should be made for consumed kilowatt-hours, taking into account the existing benefits.

It is difficult to say whether there will be resistance from the population, but relevant structures will be involved in these processes and the implementation will be successful,” Sanikidze said.

For context, meter installation for electricity consumption is beginning in all villages and settlements of Svaneti. The statement was made on June 1 by Mamuka Mdinaradze, the State Minister for Coordination with Law Enforcement Agencies. According to him, the purpose of metering is to eliminate illegal cryptocurrency mining in Mestia Municipality. Mdinaradze said that electricity in Svaneti will remain free up to a certain limit.