Central Asian electricity grid on the verge of collapse

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are to withdraw from the Soviet-era power grid that binds Central Asian countries into a single electricity market. The decision, highlighting disputes about resource-sharing in the region, threatens to exacerbate electricity shortages in neighbouring countries. The electricity grid has become a source of disagreement in Central Asia since the Soviet Union collapsed and five new independent states emerged. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have been threatening to leave the grid for some time, complaining that Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan siphon off more electricity from the system than they are allocated. Aiming to become self-sufficient in electricity, Kazakhstan has invest