2014 Sochi Olympics still need a power boost

By By David Wharton

Jan 10, 2014 | 7:56 AM

2014 Sochi Olympics still need a power boost — A display of the Olympic rings outside Sochi International Airport in Alder, Russia. (Michael Heiman / Getty Images)

Less than a month before the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Russian officials say that a new power grid for the Black Sea resort has yet to be completed.

Workers have built generators and other facilities but do not expect the grid to come online until later this month, about two weeks before the Games begin.

"We're planning to finish all the work by Jan. 20 and to get permission to move the grid into use by Jan. 25," Energy Minister Alexander Novak was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has toured Sochi to check on progress several times. Organizers say all of the competition venues are ready but some infrastructre remains unfinished.

The Winter Olympics are scheduled for Feb. 7-23.

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