In December 2020, Georgian power plants generated 930 mln. kWh of electricity. This represents an 8% decrease in total generation, compared to the previous year (December 2019, the total generation was 1,012 mln. kWh). The decrease in generation on a yearly basis comes from the decrease of 19% in hydro power generation, offsetting the 4% annual increases in thermal and wind power generation each.

The pandemic has taken an enormous toll on human lives and health globally. It has severely impacted the socio-economic state of millions of households, bringing immeasurable human tragedy, paralysis of social connectivity, economic crisis, and, to a certain extent, culture shock.

In November 2020, Georgian power plants generated 865 mln. kWh of electricity. This represents a 5% decrease in total generation, compared to the previous year (November 2019, the total generation was 913 mln. kWh). The decrease in generation on a yearly basis comes from the decrease of 15% and 8% in thermal and wind power generation, respectively, offsetting the 3% annual increase in hydro power generation.

According to the last four years’ data, Georgia has a chronic electricity deficit in ten months out of twelve, with the country showing an electricity surplus only in May and June (and, occasionally, in April and/or July). Despite the COVID-19 crisis dampening electricity demand in the country, 2020 was no exception. After two months – May and June – characterized by a positive generation-consumption gap, starting from July 2020 Georgia has been generating less electricity than required to cover consumption.

The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about the food security of many countries, in particular import-dependent developing countries like Georgia. Trade restrictions imposed by Georgia’s trade partners tightened the supply of some cereals and vegetables, signalling the risk of an increase in food prices.