Uzbekistan to Repair Red-Category Transformers by 1 September

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan plans to complete the repair and preparation of all transformers and power grid infrastructure categorized as "red" for the autumn-winter period by 1 September, Sardor Isakulov, Chairman of Regional Electrical Grids JSC, said in an interview with the O‘zbekiston 24 television channel.

According to Isakulov, a progress report was presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 6 August during a review of instructions issued following a 27 July video conference on the fuel and energy sector.

Isakulov noted that generating capacity has expanded and the transmission grid has been modernized over the past decade. However, primary challenges persist in regional low-voltage distribution networks, where power outages account for the majority of complaints from residents and businesses.

As part of preparations for the winter season, technical inspections of transformer substations and power lines are being conducted in districts with frequent outages and high accounts receivable. Special attention is directed at "red" category facilities, which must be fully repaired and ready for operation by 1 September. In addition, an inventory of power supply facilities and inspection of electricity meters is underway in each mahalla alongside local community officials.

Isakulov stated that the upcoming autumn-winter period is viewed as a test of the energy system's ability to provide stable power supply to the population and business sector.

Akhadkhon Isokzhonov, Head of the Inspectorate for Control over the Use of Electricity, Petroleum Products and Gas under the Cabinet of Ministers (Uzenergoinspektsiya), reported that the agency has begun digitalizing state control and integrating artificial intelligence technologies for data analysis.

For these purposes, a "Digital Office" electronic platform is being developed to cover energy resource extraction, processing, and consumption processes. Simultaneously, the inspectorate is analyzing factors that hinder the provision of public services to businesses.

Sharaf-Rashidov, Kasan, and Denau districts were selected as pilot territories to implement the new approaches. In Sharaf-Rashidov District, approximately 40 out of 65 "red" category transformer substations have already been repaired.

In the second half of the year, Uzenergoinspektsiya will also step up control over illegal energy use, integrate AI technologies into public service delivery for entrepreneurs, and compile monthly performance ratings for repairs on "red" category transformer substations, electrical networks, and gas distribution units.

The agency also plans to monitor compliance with recommendations generated from energy audits.