Entrepreneurs in Syrdarya block roads in protest against forced solar panel installations

A group of entrepreneurs gathered in front of the administration building in Syrdarya district, protesting the unjustified disconnection from electricity by the regional power supply company for not installing solar panels.

"The regional power grid company cut off electricity to businesses, leaving many people in distress. They're forcing us to install solar panels by cutting off the electricity. When we go to the power supply company, they say it's voluntary, but they don't explain why we've been disconnected," said one of the entrepreneurs who contacted Kun.uz.

Another entrepreneur, engaged in food sales, mentioned that without electricity, their products in refrigerators would spoil.

"This is a direct attempt to 'break' entrepreneurs. They unexpectedly cut off our electricity, claiming we didn't install solar panels. I have meat and other products in the fridge. If they spoil and become inedible, I will incur extra costs and go into losses," they said.

The entrepreneurs also blocked the road in front of the administration building. After some time, the district mayor arrived and met with them.

Across Uzbekistan, entrepreneurs are being required to install solar panels. Those who have not installed them have been warned by the regional power company (HETK) that they will be disconnected from the power grid. Despite the Ministry of Energy deeming such actions illegal, these actions have not ceased.

Earlier, entrepreneurs operating in the Altinkul and Akkurgan districts, as well as in the cities of Fergana and Kuvasoy, also contacted Kun.uz, reporting that they were being forced to install solar panels.