Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – The Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan has responded to discussions regarding the introduction of a social norm for electricity consumption of 200 kWh starting from 1 May.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the main objective of this measure is to increase the efficiency of electricity consumption, ensure proper and targeted use of budgetary subsidies to cover population expenses, and ensure reliable provision of fuel and energy resources.

Based on analysis conducted by the Interdepartmental Tariff Commission under the Cabinet of Ministers, it is projected that the total electricity consumption by the population of Uzbekistan in 2024 will amount to 21.2 billion kilowatt-hours. The Ministry of Energy asserts that 60% of all subscribers will consume less than 200 kilowatt-hours of electricity.

The Ministry explained that a unified social norm for electricity consumption of 200 kilowatt-hours was introduced because the level of electricity consumption remains stable throughout the year, unlike gas, for which a separate winter norm is established.

The statement notes that the cost of 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity in Uzbekistan is 895 soums (including VAT of 1002 soums). Production costs per kilowatt-hour of electricity are estimated at 741.93 soums, transportation costs at 57.8 soums, and distribution and sales costs at 202.4 soums.

In the Ministry of Energy’s statement, it was mentioned that the state compensates 552.4 soums for each kWh of electricity supplied to the population within the basic norm, and 102.1 soums for consumption from 201 kWh to 1000 kWh. The state covers 447 billion soums for 71% of the population consuming up to 200 kWh of electricity, and 30.2 billion soums for electricity consumption within the range of 201 to 1000 kWh.

The Ministry of Energy highlighted the results of its analysis, indicating that in June of the current year, 71% of the population stayed within the limit of 200 kilowatt-hours of electricity and did not exceed the established social norm.

The Ministry also reported that 22% of consumers used electricity from 201 to 1000 kilowatt-hours and paid 900 sums. The share of consumers with electricity consumption from 201 to 300 kilowatt-hours was 11%, indicating that prices did not significantly increase even for those who exceeded the basic norm by 100 kilowatt-hours (paying an additional 45 thousand sums for every 100 kilowatt-hours above the base tariff), while the cost of electricity remained below its production cost.

The Ministry stated that there are currently no grounds for increasing the monthly basic norm of 200 kWh for consumers in the near future.

As of 1 May, tariffs for electricity and gas have been increased in Uzbekistan, and social norms for energy resource consumption have been introduced.