Starting from May 1, 2025, new tariffs for electricity and natural gas came into effect in Uzbekistan. After the introduction of the new prices, extensive discussions began among the public. In this regard, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Qo‘chqorov provided an official explanation regarding energy tariffs during a meeting held in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on June 3.
Qo‘chqorov emphasized that the tariffs have been increased at a low level and these changes will not put a significant portion of the population in a difficult situation.
How much will be paid for 300 kWh?
According to the figures provided by the government representative, there are 7.6 million electricity consumers in Uzbekistan. Of these, 70 percent consume no more than 300 kWh per month.
“For a family consuming 300 kWh, the monthly payment will increase by 20,000 soums. Previously, this was 180,000 soums, now it will be 200,000 soums,” said the minister. According to him, this amount is very small compared to current mobile communication expenses. “Every family has at least three mobile phones, each costing at least 35,000 soums,” he emphasized.
Features of the tariffs
The updated tariffs for 2024 are as follows:
• The price for consumption up to 200 kWh has increased from 450 soums to 600 soums.
• The tariff for consumption between 201–500 kWh has decreased from 900 soums to 800 soums.
According to Qo‘chqorov, if a family consumes 500 kWh per month, the total monthly payment amount will remain unchanged. That is, if 360,000 soums were paid for 500 kWh before, the same amount will be paid now.
Few high consumers
According to Qo‘chqorov, the number of households using more than 1000 kWh of electricity per month in the country is very small. Therefore, the tariffs applied to high consumers do not affect a large segment of the population.
Results of savings
From May to December 2024, electricity consumption decreased by 10.6 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, 1.3 billion kWh of electricity was saved. This figure indicates that changes in the energy sector are leading not only to price adjustments but also to increased efficiency.
Conclusion: the government justified the price increase
According to Qo‘chqorov, the changes in electricity prices were implemented in a balanced and calculated manner. At the same time, social assistance mechanisms are also being considered. The government has taken these measures to promote energy savings, establish a fair payment system, and ensure the efficient distribution of resources.
