Following a nationwide audit in Uzbekistan, a recalculation of approximately 22 billion soms in unjustified utility debts was made for nearly 800,000 citizens. The audit revealed that charges continued even during periods when people were temporarily absent from their registered addresses, including time spent abroad. These results were announced by the Competition Committee.
The inspection, conducted across the country in cooperation with relevant organizations, found discrepancies between the actual place of residence of subscribers and the data recorded in billing systems. Specifically, information about citizens temporarily residing or working abroad, seeking employment, or studying in other countries, did not always match their real status.
Furthermore, it was noted that information on new subscribers was not always entered into the systems in a timely manner. The audit showed that citizens continued to be charged for household waste collection during periods of their temporary absence, even though the service was not actually provided. This issue affected about 800,000 people.
The inspection also identified about 100 people living in households without water meters. According to current regulations, if there is documentary confirmation of a change in the number of residents, the recalculation must be made from the date of this change. If such documents are unavailable, the adjustment is made for the preceding three months.
The Competition Committee stated that the measures taken restored consumer rights, as utility providers recalculated debts totaling about 22 billion soms. To prevent similar situations in the future, the committee proposed that relevant organizations integrate their billing systems with migration databases.
There is also consideration of monthly bill recalculations until the return of subscribers who have been abroad for more than one month, as well as those living with them.