Residents of several apartment buildings on Aligeiskaya Street in Sokhumi are refusing to install new electricity meters, saying the devices show higher power use and increase their bills, the Jamnews Sokhumi office reports.
Locals say they already have their own meters and pay for electricity regularly, but their bills have gone up sharply under the new system. They are asking for the meters to be checked again.
The issue has now spread beyond one neighborhood and is adding to criticism of the de facto authorities.
The energy company ‘Chernomorenergo’ is installing new meters across the region, and similar complaints are appearing on social media.
Opposition groups also called on the de facto president of Abkhazia, Badra Gunba, to lower electricity prices, reduce government spending and help residents cope with rising living costs.
“Enough of empty promises: it is time to move from fake reforms to real protection of citizens’ interests,” the groups said.
