TechFlow reported on January 14, according to cryptonews, that due to reduced "humanitarian electricity" supplies from Moscow to Abkhazia, the emergency power provided by Russia is expected to run out by February 18. Abkhazia's only major hydroelectric plant has shut down due to critically low reservoir levels, and the government has failed to stop cryptocurrency miners from continuing large-scale operations through legal loopholes. Residents believe law enforcement agencies are fully aware of the locations and owners of these mining farms but have taken no effective action. This has sparked anger among Russian citizens and media over Abkhazia's energy consumption, as Russian taxpayers are footing the bill while domestic electricity prices in Russia continue to rise.
Timur Dzhindzholiya, head of power supplier Chernomorenergo, stated that at Abkhazia's current rate of consumption, the existing emergency electricity supply from Russia can only last "until February 18." It is impossible to extend the emergency supply for a "prolonged period." As a result, the provider has decided to extend the current rotating blackout schedule to six hours per day.
