"We knew the Energy Block 9, this generation will probably know Imereti-500," said Tornike Darjania, head of the Solar Energy Association, discussing the nationwide power outages in Georgia on July 24–25. He said reliable electricity supply requires modern infrastructure and significant investment, which could eventually affect electricity tariffs.
According to Darjania, Georgia's transmission network is under pressure because most generation facilities are located in western Georgia, while major consumption centers are in the east, including Tbilisi. He noted that the system cannot always handle existing demand and stressed the need to strengthen transmission lines and internal infrastructure.
He said developing infrastructure is also important for meeting EU recommendations related to connecting Georgia with European and Turkish energy markets. While investments in the power system may increase costs, Darjania said they are unavoidable if the country wants reliable electricity supply and improved infrastructure.
Georgia experienced widespread electricity outages on July 24 and 25. The cause remains unknown, while the State Security Service has launched an investigation on possible sabotage grounds. The Georgian Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC) has also announced an investigation, but the Georgian State Electrosystem has not yet identified the location or cause of the failure.
