Georgia has “alternative resources” if Russian electricity imports added to new sanctions - Energy Commission Chairman

Georgia has alternative options for importing electricity if imports from Russia are added in future rounds of sanctions on the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine, David Narmania, the Chairman of the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission, said on Thursday.

Narmania said Georgia was not entirely dependent on Russia for its energy needs, pointing to a multitude of import sources. 

"We do not depend only on Russia for energy. We get electricity from Russia, as well as from Azerbaijan and Turkey. In a particular month, which country we receive electricity from depends on the [offered] price,” the official added.

The Energy Commission Chairman also noted spring climate conditions meant the existing hydropower plants in the country could generate enough energy to fully meet local demand.

Narmania said despite the alternative options, the Georgian authorities would still work on reducing the country’s existing energy dependence on Russia.