The Inspection for Control of Electricity, Petroleum Products, and Gas Use under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan (Uzenergoinspection) announced the results of control measures conducted in the first quarter of 2026. During the inspections, a total of 885 cases related to illegal use of energy resources and rule violations were identified. These cases resulted in damages to state interests amounting to 196 billion soums.
According to the detected illegal usage cases, 34.6 million cubic meters of natural gas (101.6 billion soums) and 49.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity (94.4 billion soums) were unlawfully consumed. Additionally, 1,599 administrative protocols were formalized regarding violations of energy resource usage rules by consumers. In quality control measures for petroleum products, 180 cases involving 4,058 tons of substandard oil products were identified, and their sale was prevented.
Uzenergoinspection carried out extensive work this year on controlling power supply projects and equipment. Electricity supply projects for 2,478 facilities with a total capacity of 716.5 MW underwent expert review, and relevant conclusions were provided. Furthermore, electrical equipment of 1,427 consumers with a total capacity of 1,204.8 MW passed technical inspection, and certificates were formalized. Also, electricity supply projects for 140 facilities with a total capacity of 20.4 MW were agreed upon, and conclusions on the operational readiness of electrical equipment for 110 facilities with a capacity of 5.1 MW were issued.
To ensure efficient use of fuel and energy resources, preventive measures were conducted among 8,344 consumers. Based on instructions given to consumers with a capacity of 50 kW and above, reactive energy compensation devices were installed at 2,293 consumers, saving 19.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. Administrative protocols were formalized against 11 consumers who failed to comply with the instructions.
Uzenergoinspection reminded business entities that illegal connection to electricity and gas networks or tampering with metering devices for energy resource use entails strict liability as established by legislation. Previously, liability for illegal connection to electrical, gas, and other engineering networks in Uzbekistan was strengthened, with fines increased under a new law, and criminal liability applied for repeat offenses. The new provision comes into force in June.
For reference, in 2025, 2,887 cases of illegal use of energy resources were identified, causing total damages to state interests of 1 trillion 243 billion soums. In January-February 2026, during control measures, a total of 584 cases of illegal energy resource use were detected, resulting in damages to state interests of 153.8 billion soums.
Source: www.gazeta.uz