Uzbekistan urges businesses to demand grid connections

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's Energy Minister Sherzod Khodjayev has urged entrepreneurs to demand connection to electricity networks if they have fulfilled all the required conditions. He made the remarks during an open dialogue with business representatives in Yangiyul district, the Ministry of Energy's press service said.

"If all your documents are in order, do not ask the Electricity Networks company — demand it. You have every right to do so," the minister said.

Twenty-seven entrepreneurs took part in the meeting. They raised issues including interruptions in electricity and gas supplies, insufficient capacity during the summer, low gas pressure in winter, obtaining technical specifications for utility network connections, outstanding payments for energy resources and other concerns.

According to the ministry, some of the issues were resolved during the meeting, while the remaining cases were referred for further review.

The ministry also reminded businesses that technical specifications for connections to electricity and gas networks are issued exclusively in electronic form through State Services Centers or the Unified Portal of Interactive Public Services.

It stressed that such matters must not be handled through informal arrangements with employees of energy supply companies.

The Ministry of Energy also called on entrepreneurs to report cases of corruption and other unlawful actions by employees of energy supply companies. According to the ministry, such reports will be forwarded to law enforcement authorities and those found responsible will face strict accountability measures.

The ministry said it will continue holding open meetings with entrepreneurs.

Special task forces on improving electricity and gas supply are currently operating in Yangiyul district and 14 other districts across the country.