Uzbekistan plans separate electricity accounts for multi-family households

Plans are underway to open separate electricity accounts for each family living in multi-family households in Uzbekistan. This was announced during a press conference held by JSC Regional Electric Networks on July 11.

According to the First Deputy Chairman of the REN, there are households in the country where up to four families live under one cadastral number.

"In Uzbekistan, a single cadastral number, i.e., one household, is assigned one account. Currently, there are households with up to four families living under one cadastral number. These households cannot consume just 200 kWh of electricity per month; they consume at least 800 kWh. We have submitted our proposals on this issue and must find a solution because it cannot be left unresolved," said the REN official.

He explained the proposed solution.

"For instance, if three or four families live in one household, our proposal is to open separate accounts for each family or work with the National Agency for Social Protection to find a solution. Because of their need for social protection, these families live together and are being charged for 800 kWh instead of 200 kWh of electricity. To find a fair solution, we propose that each family be given a separate account. This means that while the household has one cadastral number, there should be sub-consumers (consumers connected to another consumer's electricity network with REN's approval and having a separate contract for electricity supply) under it. This issue will be resolved because we cannot add more burdens to people in need of social protection," he said.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Energy previously stated that there is no basis for increasing the monthly basic norm of 200 kWh of electricity in the near future. According to the Ministry, 71% of the population consumed up to 200 kWh of electricity in June.

Earlier, it was reported that by the end of 2024, separate meters will be installed for electric vehicle charging equipment. According to the REN official, people want to use separate electricity for their household and their electric vehicle. "Currently, we are facing issues with account opening in Tashkent and Samarkand," he said.