BISHKEK, February 26 (RIA Novosti) - Kazakhstan has decided to quit a unified energy system of Central Asian states, leaving its southern neighbor Kyrgyzstan short of electricity, a spokesman for the Kyrgyz energy ministry said on Thursday.

Kyrgyzstan said the move forces it to limit electricity use in its northern regions, including the capital Bishkek, during peak hours, from 18.00 to 22.00. The country's population, especially in rural areas, already faces large-scale power cuts daily.

"Kyrgyzstan has to limit electricity supplies in the north due to Kazakhstan's decision to stop joint operations with the unified energy grid of Central Asia on February 25," the source said.

Kazakhstan's decision to quit the regional electricity network was reportedly due to unsanctioned electricity use by Tajikistan, which also faces power shortages.

The Kyrgyz government said its energy producers were in talks with neighboring states to resolve the situation.