A special targeted group will be established in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan to address issues related to the supply of electricity and gas in the Yangiyul district. The Minister of Energy, Sherzod Khodjayev, will head this group, and the district's Hokim, San'at Jumaniyazov, will serve as deputy head.
The decision was announced at a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, dedicated to priorities in the fuel and energy sector. The Yangiyul district was chosen as a case study to assess the current situation of local energy supply.
Over the past five years, electricity consumption in the district has increased by one and a half times—from 68 million kWh to 102 million kWh. However, network modernization remains limited: only 240 km of the total 1400 km network has been updated, and 60 out of 240 transformers have been repaired.
Since the beginning of this year, electricity losses in the district have reached 30 million kWh, and there have been 37 network accidents. The amount of unpaid electricity bills has reached 43 billion soms, including 9.4 billion soms recognized as bad debt. Furthermore, metering issues were identified: meters for 829 subscribers do not meet the requirements of the Automated System for Control and Accounting of Electricity Consumption (ASKUE), and about 2000 other devices do not transmit data to the system. It was also found that 48 companies that have not paid taxes this year consumed 871,000 kWh of electricity over six months.
Gas supply is also facing difficulties: more than 5000 gas meters do not transmit data to the billing system. The total debt of consumers for gas has reached 188 billion soms. When summing up debts for electricity and gas, the total outstanding debt exceeds 230 billion soms.
The targeted group is tasked with studying the monthly, quarterly, and annual energy needs of households and enterprises in all 51 mahallas of the district within two weeks. Based on the data obtained, an energy consumption balance must be compiled. The group must also identify areas requiring replacement of transformers and gas distribution stations, replace outdated meters, and ensure uninterrupted data transmission from all devices to the ASKUE and ASKUG systems.
A separate program will be developed aimed at halving electricity and gas losses, along with determining funding sources. Energy audits are being conducted at large enterprises, and funds are being allocated for the implementation of energy-saving technologies. Medical institutions, hospitals, and educational facilities will be classified by their energy consumption level. Heating systems in residential buildings will be inspected, and work with debtors will be organized by street.
It is planned that by October 1, the Yangiyul district will become a model for managing electricity and gas supplies. The experience gained in Yangiyul will be used to modernize the energy sector nationwide. Industry leaders will be appointed to districts with the most complex situations to collaborate with the hokims. Officials are obliged to assess the state of energy supply for the population and businesses and develop action plans until the end of 2026 and for 2027. Local authorities also plan to demonstrate solutions for electricity and gas metering, reducing network losses, and decreasing unpaid debts.
The State Labor Inspectorate under the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan has recommended that employers change the organization of labor for employees working outdoors due to abnormally hot weather.
The agency noted that high air temperatures significantly increase the probability of heatstroke, sunstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular complications. The Inspectorate emphasized that ensuring safe working conditions is a direct responsibility of the employer.
Employers are advised, if possible, to reduce the volume of work outdoors or temporarily suspend it between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. It is also suggested to avoid heavy physical exertion during this time. Furthermore, the Inspectorate insists that workers be provided with a sufficient amount of drinking water, shaded or cool resting places be organized, and regular breaks be ensured.
The Inspectorate also recommends not allowing employees who have not undergone medical examination to work. For personnel performing outdoor duties, breathable clothing and headwear protecting against solar radiation must be provided. Special attention should be paid to conducting briefings on the signs of heatstroke and the procedure for first aid in case of health deterioration.
Previously, Uzhydromet warned that from July 13, 2026, to July 17, 2026, an extremely hot air mass from the south will enter the territory of Uzbekistan. According to forecasts, daytime temperatures may reach plus 41–43 degrees Celsius, and up to plus 44–46 degrees Celsius in northern, southern, and desert regions.
Against the backdrop of abnormal heat, temporary restrictions have already been introduced in several regions. Truck traffic is restricted in the regions of Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya, while in the regions of Khorezm and Navoi, as well as in Karakalpakstan, the operation of some kindergartens has been temporarily suspended. Starting from July 15, 2026, the speed of trains on elevated sections of the Tashkent metro has been reduced from 60 to 40 km/h.
