On November 4 the Prime Minister of Georgia Zurab Noghaideli and energy minister Nika Gilauri inspected the energy objects for assessment of the readiness of the energy sector for the winter season.
The Prime Minister inspected the ninth, third and fourth power generating units and air turbine plant. He said that the Georgian energy sector is ready for winter. Noteworthy is that the repair operations have been completed at Inguri HPP and as a result of them the country will get 260 MW more. "I would like to inspect the current state of power plant at the place. The ninth power generating unit will operate with the maximum capacity and will generate 270 MW energy, the third unit is in good order and from November 25 will be put into operation the fourth unit which will be used as a standby unit. The gas turbine plant is in good order too and will generate 100 MW energy".
During inspection of energy objects Zurab Noghaideli made a comment in connection with the expected increase in price of natural gas for Georgia from the side of Russia and said that if the price is commercial and the same all over the region, Georgia will pay it, but if this is a punishment and is used against the country, Georgia will seek alternative sources.
As the Prime Minister stated Georgia will be in no way left without gas and electricity in the winter period. The Government is in process of talks with Turkey. Azerbaijan and Iran. After completion of the talks will be selected the best proposals for the country and customers.
After Gardabani the Government leader visited the newly rehabilitated Zhinvali HPP, inspected the performed operations and met HPP staff.
The Prime Minister was pleased with the state of the energy sector. He stated that in winter a great part of electricity will be got by the own resources: "The majority of HPPs were rehabilitated. The capacity was increased at Inguri HPP, Zhinvali HPP. From November 15 will be put in operation the second unit of Khram HPP. This year we will receive maximum 70-100 MW energy. The reset part will be get by the own resources and reserves. May be we will not require import of electricity at all, - stated the Prime Minister when being at Zhinvali HPP.
Press Center of the Chancellery of the Government of Georgia