Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 15 November, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting to discuss ensuring stable energy supply for the population and key sectors of the economy, as well as improving the efficiency of the energy sector enterprises.

At the videoconference meeting on 10 June, key tasks were outlined, which were subsequently reviewed in a report presented by responsible officials. They presented the results of the work completed so far and the preparations for the autumn-winter season.

It was noted that gas supplies are being provided in volumes corresponding to the growing demand from the population and industrial sectors. As a result of sector modernization and energy efficiency improvements, energy losses have been reduced. For example, in recent years, gas consumption for industrial production has decreased by 1.6 times.

However, much work remains to be done. It is necessary to ensure stable energy supply to the population both in the current season and in future years, as well as to create sufficient reserves for this purpose.

Energy supply issues were discussed with consideration for the specific characteristics of different economic sectors. According to calculations, 21 billion cubic meters of gas are planned to be supplied during this winter season. In the event of a sharp drop in temperatures, the demand from the population may significantly increase.

The responsible authorities presented detailed action plans, broken down by month and region, to avoid any interruptions.

Special attention was paid to creating reserves for uninterrupted energy supply to social facilities and enterprises. A targeted gas supply system was developed for thermal power plants, chemical and metallurgical industries, and gas filling stations.

It was emphasized that work should continue on monitoring and controlling gas consumption across various sectors to further reduce losses. In particular, efforts should focus on implementing gas savings opportunities in the Andijan, Navoi, and Tashkent regions, as well as in other areas.

The President instructed local authorities to organize work at the district and mahalla levels, focusing on addressing energy supply issues directly at the local government level, coordinating demand and consumption, and preventing interruptions.

The meeting also addressed the transformation of the gas sector. It was decided that enterprises in this sector would tap into international financial markets to attract funds for modernization.

Digitalization and public-private partnerships offer the greatest opportunities for the renewal and regulation of gas networks. In this regard, initiatives were proposed to attract private operators into the sector.

The President also instructed efforts to reduce production costs in every industry and enterprise, optimize expenses, and accelerate the transformation process. Special attention was given to expanding geological exploration with the involvement of leading foreign companies.