Mr Daniyar Usenov PM of Kyrgyzstan stated at the session of the communists’ parliament faction during the discussion of the government’s report for 2009 on March 17th 2009 that “As long as we heat our houses with electric power; Kyrgyzstan’s coal sector will not grow.”

According to him, nowadays it is much easier for population to use electric power for heating of their houses rather using coal.

He said “Just take a look: within the heating season you will need 15 thousand soms for using coal, and only 6 thousand soms for using electricity. Than who will use coal? Why do you think everybody is coming to Bishkek? Because in the capital a citizen will pay 500 soms per month of using heat energy and in Chatkal for instance 30 thousand soms.”

He informed that “The government will pay special attention to the development of coal sector in 2010. We are planning to mine 1 million tonnes of coal and in 2011 we are setting a task to mine up to 2 million tonnes. Besides, we are planning to start the development of coal mine in Uzgen. Certain big enterprises, particularly Bishkek city thermal power plant, will be transferred to coal.”

(Sourced from Eng.24.kg)