Energy Minister condemns forced solar panel installations in Uzbekistan

The minister emphasized that the recent increase in electricity and natural gas tariffs for businesses was intended to encourage the voluntary adoption of green energy, not to impose it. According to Mirzamakhmudov, several business owners had reached out to him personally, reporting pressure to install solar panels, and he reiterated that the Ministry does not support or mandate such actions.

"If businesses face coercion to install solar panels, they should contact my office directly at 71 231 14 41," said Mirzamakhmudov. He promised that appropriate measures would be taken against those responsible for any unlawful actions.

The issue of forced solar panel installations gained attention in September when reports surfaced on social media that some businesses were being threatened with power cuts unless they complied. The Ministry of Energy responded to these allegations by stating that "forcing solar panel installations contradicts the law," firmly rejecting such practices.

Economist Otabek Bakirov also weighed in on the issue, advocating for incentives rather than coercion to encourage businesses to adopt solar energy. He pointed out that the practice of forcing businesses to install solar panels had largely ceased after energy tariffs were raised but questioned why it had resurfaced in certain areas.

When asked about the resurgence of this practice, Minister Mirzamakhmudov expressed his confusion: "I am baffled as to who is behind this." He reiterated that the Ministry is not responsible for power disconnections and urged affected parties to reach out directly to resolve the matter.

This statement from the Energy Minister comes as Uzbekistan continues to transition towards sustainable energy, with a focus on green technology. However, the government's stance remains clear: businesses should not be forced into adopting solar energy solutions, and any such actions will be met with consequences.