Uzbekistan Considers Separate Electricity Bills for Multiple Families in One Household
In Uzbekistan, where it's common for several families to live under one roof, the government is considering introducing separate electricity accounts for each family. This change aims to address the excessive electricity consumption often seen in these households, which far exceeds the social norm of 200 kWh.
The proposal was discussed at a press conference by the Regional Electric Networks (RES) company on July 11, as reported by Gazety.uz. Alvar Gaibullaev, the first deputy chairman of RES, highlighted instances where up to four families share a single household. These households typically consume around 800 kWh of electricity monthly, well above the 200 kWh norm.
“In Uzbekistan, each household is assigned a single account regardless of the number of families living there,” Gaibullaev explained: “This system is unfair to families in such situations, who need social protection but are charged large sums for their electricity consumption. We propose opening separate accounts for each family or assisting them through the National Social Protection Agency.”
Gaibullaev assured that the issue would be resolved, emphasizing that additional burdens should not be imposed on those needing social protection.
Since May 1, Uzbekistan has increased electricity and gas tariffs and introduced social norms for energy consumption, which is paid at a preferential rate. Under the new tariffs, costs for subscribers using up to 200 kWh of electricity per month have increased by 1.5 times, while those using up to 300 kWh face a 2 times increase. Households consuming up to 500 kWh and 1,500 kWh now pay 2.5 times and 3.4 times more, respectively.
Despite these changes, the Ministry of Energy recently stated that revising the social norm is unnecessary, as 71% of the population consumes up to 200 kWh.
