A large-scale electricity metering operation will begin in Mestia municipality to address the problem of crypto mining, Vice Prime Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze said at a briefing on June 1.
Mdinaradze said network and transmission line congestion in the region is worsening the quality of electricity supply, leading to frequent outages that negatively affect both residents and tourism.
He also cited data on electricity consumption in Mestia, saying it significantly exceeds that of comparable municipalities, which he linked to illegal mining activity.
“Electricity consumption in the Mestia municipality in 2025 amounted to 133 million kilowatt-hours, while in other similar municipalities it does not exceed 10 million kilowatt-hours,” Mdinaradze said, adding that this represents “at least GEL 20–25 million” in damage to the system.
He said the issue creates an additional financial burden for consumers across the country, estimating that each subscriber pays about GEL 1.5 more due to the problem.
Mdinaradze said the metering process aims to eliminate illegal and hidden electricity consumption and will be carried out across villages and settlements to identify problem areas.
He added that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to support the process and respond to cases of illegal electricity use.
“We call on everyone to respect this process. Any obstruction and violation of the law will be followed by strict legal action,” Mdinaradze said.
The government has previously fully subsidized electricity bills for Upper Svaneti residents, while in other high-mountain regions it covers 50% of the tariff.
