Electricity in Mestia: Consumption Down 22% — What Does This Mean for Residents?

⚡️ Electricity in Mestia: Consumption Down 22%. What Changes Ahead?

Electricity consumption in Mestia municipality has dropped 22% following the installation of smart balancing meters.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced this on October 7.

Meters have already been installed in 33 villages. By the end of the year, authorities plan to install 48 more devices across 25 additional villages. Officials link this measure to cracking down on illegal cryptocurrency mining, which has been placing extra strain on the power grid.

💡 What New Rules Might Come?

Energy expert Gia Arabidze proposes setting a baseline electricity allowance for households to meet normal living needs, with consumption above that level subject to separate billing rules. Seasonal variations should be factored in—winter months require more electricity. For commercial facilities, he recommends precise consumption tracking.

Important note: this is an expert proposal, not an official government decision.

🏔 But Does This Solve the Real Problem?

Tourism business representatives report that power outages continue. Reliable electricity is especially critical heading into winter season for guesthouses and hotels, where it powers heating and essential equipment.

So the real question isn't just about reducing consumption—it's whether electricity will become more dependable and whether payment rules will actually make sense.

Still to be determined: how will baseline household consumption be calculated, will winter heating needs be properly accounted for, and what measures are planned to upgrade the power infrastructure?

We're watching how this develops.