Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 3 April, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on measures to modernize heating systems in social facilities.

Today, heating systems in 15,000 social facilities in our country are outdated and require repair. During their operation, 35 percent of thermal energy is lost, the heating temperature in them is 2 times lower than the norm.

In Bustan district of Andijan region, an experiment was conducted to upgrade and manage the heating system on the basis of a private partnership. Heating boilers were replaced with modern ones and transferred to private management, which reduced energy consumption and increased the temperature inside the buildings. The optimal temperature in social facilities was provided even during the period of abnormal cold weather last winter.

The meeting discussed proposals for scaling up this experience. It is proposed to transfer the heating systems to the management of entrepreneurs for a period of 10 years, their services will be purchased by the state. Half of the necessary funds for the modernization of networks will be allocated from the budget, half - at the expense of a private partner. In addition, it provides for the exemption of components necessary for the production of heating boilers from customs duties for a period of two years.

The head of our state approved these proposals and gave instructions on organizational and financial issues.

Responsible persons were tasked with inventorying and gradually modernizing the heating systems of social facilities in districts and cities, involving entrepreneurs in their management. It was emphasized that it is necessary to take measures to reduce energy losses and preserve heat in buildings. It was instructed to launch the production of energy-efficient heating boilers with the participation of investors.

The meeting also discussed the issue of coal supplies.

In recent years, coal production in our country has increased from 3 million to 5.4 million tons. This year it is planned to produce almost 6 million tons. But the demand for coal is much greater.

In this regard, the President gave instructions on attracting the private sector and new technologies to the development of promising deposits and improving the quality of coal.