The basic electricity consumption norm for non-gasified regions of Uzbekistan is proposed to be raised from the current 200 to 350 kWh. This decision was made after analyzing actual consumption during the winter period. Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Khurshed Mustafayev presented this information at a press conference held on October 14.
During the meeting, representatives of state bodies discussed issues related to measures to support the population and changes in tariffs for the upcoming autumn-winter period. Particular interest was drawn to the question of choosing exactly 350 kWh as the basic indicator for territories where gas supply is absent or difficult, as a 500 kWh option had previously been considered in discussions.
Circumstances of Choosing the New Norm
Mustafayev justified the choice of the norm by naming two key factors. Firstly, there is the existing social assistance system for low-income families. He specified that the Social Protection Agency covers the difference between the basic and increased tariffs for an additional 150 kWh above the initial 200 kWh, allowing these families to pay under the basic tariff.
The second reason was a detailed analysis of how much electricity is consumed in non-gasified areas during winter. The analysis showed that 60% of residents in these areas consume no more than 300 kWh in winter months. Based on this data, it was proposed to set the monthly basic norm at 350 kWh.
According to the official, about 4 million households in Uzbekistan do not have access to natural gas via main pipelines and use, for example, liquefied gas. Furthermore, there are areas where natural gas supply is unstable, especially during the heating season, as pressure can drop or supply can cease entirely during the day.
To determine such territories, authorities studied data on gas supply to individual households from December 2, 2025, to March 13, 2026. Following the study, it was proposed to extend the increased basic norm not only to non-gasified areas but also to territories experiencing problems with natural gas supply. However, no separate calculation demonstrating the possible impact of raising the norm to 500 kWh on the budget was presented at the press conference.
Previously, on October 6, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved the initiative to increase the basic electricity consumption norm for residents of non-gasified zones and areas with gas supply problems—from 200 to 350 kWh. The relevant draft government resolution was put up for public discussion on October 13.
How Will the Situation Change for Families Using the New Norm?
According to explanatory materials prepared by the authorities, an analysis of electricity consumption for the period from September 2025 to August 2026 showed that approximately 4 million subscribers live in Uzbekistan who are not connected to natural gas and use bottled liquefied gas. The consumption structure in the heating season differs from other months:
- The share of subscribers consuming up to 200 kWh decreases from 74% to 61%.
- The share of those consuming from 201 to 350 kWh increases from 17% to 19%.
- The share of consumers in the 351–500 kWh range increases from 5% to 9%.
- The share of those consuming over 500 kWh grows from 3% to 10%.
Thus, during the heating season, about 39% of households without gas supply consume over 200 kWh monthly, compared to approximately 25% in other months.
Regarding households connected to gas networks but facing difficulties in obtaining gas, their numbers vary significantly. According to official data, between December 2, 2025, and March 17, 2026, their number fluctuated from approximately 5,000 to 607 thousand depending on the day.
The proposed increase in the basic norm from 200 to 350 kWh will lead to a reduction in the cost of electricity in the range of 201 to 350 kWh from the current 900 to 650 soms per kWh, which is almost a 28% saving. According to official estimates, the new norm will cover about 80% of subscribers in non-gasified territories. Over 1.5 million consumers will save a total of about 171 billion soms during the heating season, with an average saving of approximately 27.5 thousand soms per month for them.
Specifically, with a monthly consumption of 250 kWh, expenses will decrease by 12.5 thousand soms; with 300 kWh—by 25 thousand; and with 350 kWh—by 37.5 thousand soms.
The increased norm is planned to be applied from November 1, 2026, throughout the entire heating season. In Karakalpakstan and Khorezm region, it will be effective from October to February, and in other regions—from November to February. Lists of households having difficulties obtaining natural gas must be approved by regional khokimiyats based on proposals from 'Uzenergoinspektsiya', 'Khududgaztaminot', and 'Regional Electric Networks'. As part of support measures, payments of over 1 million soms are also planned for more than 1 million needy families in November in Uzbekistan, as well as expanding the circle of recipients of compensation for electricity, gas, and coal with extended payments.