In Svaneti, the process of installing electricity meters is being launched in all villages and settlements. This was announced by the State Minister for Coordinating the Activities of Law Enforcement Agencies, Mamuka Mdinaradze.
The purpose of introducing the metering system is to combat illegal cryptocurrency mining in the Mestia municipality.
He noted that electricity in Svaneti will remain free within the established limit, adding that the government is initiating measures against illegal economic activities that damage the energy sector.
Mdinaradze explained that due to illegal mining, power lines in Mestia are regularly overloaded, leading to accidents, deteriorating the quality of the power supply, and negatively affecting local residents, businesses, and tourism.
The official cited data showing that:
- electricity consumption in Mestia in 2025 amounted to 133 million kWh, whereas in comparable municipalities it does not exceed 10 million kWh.
- and this, according to him, leads to financial damage of 20–25 million lari and an additional burden on all consumers.
As a result, each subscriber effectively overpays about 1.5 lari due to this issue.
To solve this problem, a large-scale installation of meters, which had previously been postponed, will begin in Mestia.
The authorities state that after the introduction of metering, electricity will remain free within the limit, and a tariff will apply to any consumption exceeding it.
Mdinaradze also announced that the process will cover not only individual districts but all villages and settlements to more accurately detect illegal consumption. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure control and prevent violations.
The State Minister urged the population not to obstruct the process, emphasizing that any violations would result in a strict legal response.