Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Commercial and other non-residential premises in apartment buildings may be connected to the centralized heating system if established requirements are met. This was reported by JSC Issiqlikta’minoti.
To connect to the system, technical conditions must be obtained from the heating supply company in accordance with the established procedure. In addition, the facility’s heat load must be specified in the heating supply contract, while the connection itself must be formally documented and reflected in the relevant records.
Under the rules approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 194, the heating fee for non-residential premises is calculated based on the heat load specified in the contract. Unauthorized connections to heating systems are prohibited.
If a residential premises is converted into non-residential premises, the consumer must conclude a contract for heating services within seven days, install a metering device and register it in accordance with the established procedure.
Separate requirements apply to hot water supply. If hot water is not required, the consumer must notify the supplier in writing and invite its representative to document the disconnection.
If hot water supply needs to be restored, the supplier must also be notified in writing.
Unauthorized connections to heating networks are subject to administrative liability.
Under Article 101 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan, unauthorized connections, violations of the rules for operating public heating networks, intentional damage to heat energy meters or their seals, as well as interference with meters to alter their readings are punishable by a fine.
For individuals, the fine ranges from 15 to 20 basic calculation units, while officials face fines ranging from 25 to 30 basic calculation units.
It is also prohibited to carry out reconstruction work that affects the overall thermal parameters of an apartment building, install heating equipment in additional areas that were not previously heated, or independently modify the heating system that forms part of the building’s common property.
