Many of us well-remember the cold winter of 2006 when the Russian Federation cut its natural gas supply to Georgia. In general, it is clear that diversification in energy import markets reduces the risk of socio-economic shocks following political tensions with other countries. Fortunately, Georgia managed to find an alternative to the Russian supply and started importing gas from Azerbaijan. This blog will review the current gas import situation and discuss the expected trends in natural gas supply security.

In August 2020, Georgian power plants generated 949 mln. kWh of electricity. This represents a 7% decrease in total generation, compared to the previous year (August 2019, the total generation was 1,020 mln. kWh). The decrease in generation on a yearly basis comes from the decrease of 2.5% in hydropower generation, more than a 9% decrease in wind power generation and a 35% decrease in thermal power generation.

The Law of Georgia on Energy and Water Supply, adopted in December 2019, envisages certain general provisions concerning vulnerable customers. The Law states that the Georgian government and local government bodies, in consultation with other interested parties, shall develop special programs/measures/benefits to ensure the supply of electricity and natural gas for vulnerable customers.

On September 11, ISET Policy Institute's Agriculture and Rural Policy Research Center (APRC) presented the main results of the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on the High Mountainous Region Designation of Energy Development and Access to the project's stakeholders.

In July 2020, Georgian power plants generated 1,010 mln. kWh of electricity. This represents a 4.3% decrease in total generation, compared to the previous year (July 2019, the total generation was 1,055 mln. kWh). The decrease in generation on a yearly basis comes from the decrease of 8.4% in hydro power generation and more than 20% decrease in wind power generation, partially compensated by an increase in thermal power generation.