Uzbekistan Fires Energy Minister and Power Grid Chief

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 27 July dismissed the energy minister and the chairman of Hududiy Elektr Tarmoqlari, or Regional Electric Networks, citing serious shortcomings in the system. The heads of several major energy companies were given until the end of the year to deliver results.

The personnel decisions were announced at a video conference on priorities for the fuel and energy sector. Mirziyoyev called on industry leaders to change their approach to work and deliver concrete results.

The heads of National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan, Thermal Power Plants, Uztransgaz and Hududgazta’minot were given until the end of the year to improve performance. The president warned that they could also be dismissed if they fail to achieve the required results.

The president separately criticised the choice of site for a combined-cycle power plant in the Surkhandarya region. According to the presidential press service, the incorrect location of the facility means an additional US$300 million will be required to supply gas to the plant.

In addition, insufficiently detailed terms in the agreement with the project initiator created a risk of additional costs. The president instructed officials to review the terms of the contract.

Mirziyoyev also ordered new Energy Minister Sherzod Khojayev, new chairman of Regional Electric Networks Sardor Isakulov and head of Uzenergoinspection Ahad Isokjonov to introduce new approaches to their work starting on 27 July.

The president stressed that responsibility for the state of the energy system lies not only with specialised organisations. Regional hokims were also instructed to take an active role in resolving problems in the sector.