Uzbekistan Toughens Penalties for Illegal Utility Connections

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law on 11 March strengthening penalties for violations of rules governing the use of public utility networks.

The legislation amends the Administrative Code and the Criminal Code, according to the Ministry of Justice legal information channel. Sanctions are now stricter for unauthorized connections to electricity, gas, and heating networks, as well as tampering with meters.

Under the revised Article 101 of the Administrative Code, fines for individuals increase to 15–20 sizes of basic estimated value (6.18–8.24 million soums), up from 10–15 sizes of basic estimated value (4.12–6.18 million soums). Fines for officials rise from 20–25 sizes of basic estimated value (8.24–10.3 million soums) to 25–30 sizes of basic estimated value (10.3–12.36 million soums).

Separate penalties apply for commercial unauthorized connections to electricity, heating, gas, and water networks, with fines ranging from 15 to 25 sizes of basic estimated value (6.18–10.3 million soums). Administrative arrest for up to 15 days remains an alternative measure.

For repeat offenses, criminal fines increase to 30–75 sizes of basic estimated value (12.36–30.9 million soums). Other sanctions, including up to 240 hours of community service or one year of corrective labor, remain unchanged.

The law will take effect three months after its official publication.

Previously, penalties for illegal utility connections were tightened in spring 2023, introducing fines and administrative arrests for commercial violations, while major damages were classified as theft under the Criminal Code.