Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers approved the basic standards for electricity consumption and gas supply for the population.

As is known, payment for electricity in Uzbekistan does not correspond to its cost, and the difference is covered by subsidies from the state budget. This approach is applied to the entire population, regardless of the financial status of the residents.

We believe that in conditions of a serious shortage of energy resources, wealthy citizens should not receive subsidies from the state budget for their costs.

According to calculations by the Ministry of Energy, 15% of the population consumes more than 300 kW/h of electricity per month. And the consumption of 75% of the population does not exceed 200 kW/h.

Of course, the energy industry of Uzbekistan is in need of radical reform; in this regard, changing tariffs and introducing market mechanisms is necessary.

Along with reform, we call on responsible ministries and departments to take into account the following:

- as part of the implementation of the resolution, it is necessary to take into account the conditions in regions where there is no central heating and access to natural gas and the main sources of heat are heaters and air conditioners.

- The Ministry of Energy needs to develop compensation mechanisms for consumers of energy services in the event that their household appliances fail due to sudden energy surges.

- the government needs to ensure openness and transparency of allocated financial resources from the state budget aimed at modernizing the energy industry.

- In addition, foreign experience must be taken into account. For example, differentiated tariffs also apply in other countries, where, among other things, a system of “critical peaks” is used. This system is used when the tariff increases significantly during periods of greatest demand for electricity (for example, during abnormal weather conditions).

Bobur Bekmuradov

Chairman of the Yuksalish movement

Deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan