Electrical System Failure in Eastern Georgia

(Tbilisi, November 29, 2002, Civil Georgia) Tbilisi blacked out for 30 minutes today in the morning. Energy supply to the capital was stopped completely. The subway, broadcasting systems of the TV tower, hospitals were left without electricity.

Some sources say that blackout was caused by an accident at a high voltage power line in western Georgia, which supplies the eastern part with the electricity.

However, David Mirtskhulava, Energy Minister of Georgia, stated that the failure was a result of maintenance works.

Only a part of the capital has electricity at the moment. Energy supply will be fully restored only later in the evening.

At a special meeting at the State Chancellery yesterday, the State Minister instructed the law enforcing authorities to take measures to investigate problems in the energy system.

Last winter, shortages of electric power supply resulted in mass protests of the citizens. Tbilisi residents were blocking the highways, demanding 24-hour supply of energy.

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