Senator requests explanation from Energy Ministry over mass shutdown of EV charging stations in Tashkent

According to Tursunov, reports have circulated in recent days about temporary disconnections from the power grid and operational restrictions imposed on charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles installed by private businesses. These developments, he said, have prompted justified public concern.

The senator requested detailed information explaining the reasons behind the disconnections and operational restrictions. He also asked the ministry to outline measures being taken to support charging station operators, develop the necessary infrastructure, and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Shutdown of charging stations

Last week, the Tashkent city administration reported “numerous” violations related to the operation of fast charging stations for electric vehicles. Officials said that some stations had been connected directly to transformers without taking into account existing electrical loads, capacity limits, or projected increases in consumption in nearby residential areas.

Authorities stated that 101 charging stations had been temporarily disconnected from the power grid. The city administration emphasized its readiness for “constructive cooperation” with businesses, provided that activities are conducted within the legal framework.

The Business Ombudsman also commented on the situation, addressing both the disconnection of EV charging stations and the closure of retail outlets located at public transport stops in the capital. The office said it is reviewing appeals from entrepreneurs and pledged to take action against responsible officials if unjustified measures are identified.

Earlier, the Tashkent city administration described the mass disconnection of charging stations as a “forced measure”. Deputy Mayor Abdurakhmon Bakhtiyev said the situation had become “a losing story for everyone” – both companies operating the stations and owners of electric vehicles.

According to Bakhtiyev, regulations require companies to obtain land through an electronic auction before installing charging stations on municipal land.

“There is a regulation, and there is also city land. To install an electric charging station on such land, it is necessary to participate in an electronic auction and purchase the plot,” he said. “Many of the stations that were disconnected are located on state land and do not pay for its use because the plots were not acquired through an auction. Therefore, we were forced to disconnect them.”

Officials said some companies had reached informal arrangements with nearby shop owners and used their cadastral numbers to obtain permits. This practice, authorities argue, distorts official records and results in lost revenue for the city budget.

At the same time, the city administration said discussions with businesses are ongoing to find solutions. Authorities are also working on updating the regulatory framework in cooperation with the World Bank.