The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan has formally approved a comprehensive set of social protection measures aimed at cushioning the impact of ongoing market-based reforms in the fuel and energy sector. Under the newly enacted regulations, the baseline monthly electricity consumption limit for households residing in regions lacking natural gas supplies or facing severe delivery constraints will be temporarily increased from 200 kWh to 350 kWh during the heating season.

Authorities stipulated that the duration of this enhanced baseline tier will vary geographically, spanning from October through February in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Khorezm region, and from November through February across the rest of the country. Outside of the designated heating season, the standard baseline limit of 200 kWh per month will apply uniformly to all domestic consumers regardless of their location.

The government decree additionally establishes clear administrative procedures for disbursing a one-time financial assistance payment of 1 million soms to vulnerable households, scheduled for November 2026. Eligibility extends to families officially registered in the Social Register, as well as households whose per capita monthly income does not exceed twice the minimum consumer expenditure threshold, with local community structures tasked with compiling and vetting recipient lists.

Furthermore, the regime in Tashkent decided to extend the existing tariff compensation mechanism covering the price differential between baseline and higher consumption tiers until April 1, 2028. Simultaneously, state subsidies compensating part of the costs incurred for purchasing coal have been prolonged until January 1, 2029, offering up to 300,000 soms per ton through digital procurement platforms.

Source: www.gazeta.uz