Uzbekistan Explains Temporary Power Outages Amid Record Electricity Demand

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's Energy Ministry has said temporary electricity outages introduced in several regions are aimed at preventing major failures in the national power grid as the country faces extreme heat and record electricity demand.

According to the ministry, daily electricity consumption in the Unified Energy System reached 291 million kWh on 16 July, setting a new summer record. The figure exceeded the previous summer peak recorded last year by 18.4 million kWh, or 6.7%.

Electricity generation also reached a new high, with power plants producing 295.4 million kWh during the day, 4 million kWh, or 1.37%, above the previous record set on 15 July.

The ministry said exceptionally high air temperatures have caused overhead transmission lines and outdoor electrical equipment to overheat. At the same time, widespread use of air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and other household appliances has sharply increased electricity demand.

Officials explained that when loads on individual transmission lines approach critical levels, grid dispatchers may introduce temporary power restrictions to prevent equipment damage, fires and large-scale outages that could take several days to repair.

To reduce pressure on the system, electricity supplies were temporarily limited for up to two hours in several regions. The restrictions affected around 1,750 consumers in Kukdala and Chiroqchi districts of Kashkadarya Region, 1,200 consumers in Sharof Rashidov and Zaamin districts of Jizzakh Region, 1,300 consumers in Shavat, Gurlan and Koshkupyr districts of Khorezm Region, and about 1,000 consumers in Tashkent and Zangiota districts of Tashkent Region.

The ministry said emergency response teams are working around the clock across the country to eliminate faults and restore power supplies.

Authorities also urged residents to use electricity efficiently and avoid operating unnecessary electrical appliances in order to reduce pressure on the national power system.

The ministry stressed that the short-term restrictions are a necessary preventive measure to avoid more serious disruptions and apologised to consumers for the temporary inconvenience.