Uzbekistan introduces new system blocking electricity payments for waste collection debtors

Under the new rules, residents with unpaid waste bills will be temporarily barred from making electricity payments until they settle their waste debts. Starting November 1, citizens who are three months behind on waste payments will face this restriction, while from January 1, 2025, those who are even one month in arrears will be affected.

Shukhrat Rakhmonov, Head of the Waste Management and Circular Economy Agency, explained that the program is being rolled out gradually. By June 1, 2024, a six-month debt threshold will trigger restrictions, moving to a three-month threshold by November 2024, and a one-month threshold by January 2025. Only debt accumulated from January 1, 2024, will be considered for these restrictions.

In collaboration with “Hududiyelektrtarmoqlari,” the national electricity provider, the Waste Management Agency has set up a notification system. In October, SMS alerts were sent to indebted customers, and from now on, electronic payments will automatically reflect the waste debt status, temporarily preventing payment for electricity until the debt is cleared.

Rakhmonov also noted ongoing efforts to amend consumer rights, competition, and energy legislation to formalize the new policy. Meanwhile, the upgraded “Toza Makon” billing system will serve as the main platform for waste service payments, integrating with various databases to ensure up-to-date customer information and prevent billing errors.

The upgraded system, expected to be fully operational by November 5 following routine maintenance, features a secure login linked to Uzbekistan’s OneID identification system. This integration allows residents to monitor and pay their waste collection bills conveniently through a mobile app, with real-time information on the number of household members, billing details, and payment deadlines.

According to recent reports, the nation’s waste service debts have accumulated significantly, totaling 585 billion UZS. The new billing system aims to facilitate a more seamless payment process for residents, which officials hope will gradually reduce this debt.