Uzbekistan allocates UZS 73.7 billion in heating compensation for vulnerable families

Uzbekistan has disbursed UZS 73.7 billion in compensation to vulnerable households to cover electricity and natural gas expenses during the heating season, according to a report from the National Agency for Social Protection.

Photo: Kun.uz

The payments were authorized under a presidential decree dated 2 April 2025. The financial aid is designed to cover the price gap between base tariffs and higher rates for consumption exceeding the social norm, specifically, for usage up to 150 kWh of electricity and 250 cubic meters of gas per month.

Monthly disbursement data reveals a steady increase in support as the winter progressed. In October 2025, UZS 0.6 billion was provided to 38,500 households, primarily in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm region. This rose significantly to UZS 12.3 billion for 405,200 households in November and UZS 21.3 billion for 452,000 households in December.

The trend continued into early 2026, with payments totaling UZS 26.8 billion for 470,100 households in January and UZS 12.7 billion for 354,400 households in February.

An analysis of more than 1.3 million applications provided insight into national energy consumption patterns. The data showed that 64.9% of households used up to 200 kWh of electricity, 19.7% consumed between 200–350 kWh, and 15.4% used more than 350 kWh. Regarding natural gas, an assessment of 362,800 households indicated that 79.4% used up to 500 cubic meters, 14.0% consumed between 500–700 cubic meters, and 6.6% used more than 700 cubic meters.

In accordance with the presidential decree, the compensation program will remain operational until 1 April 2027, ensuring continued support for the country’s most vulnerable citizens during the annual heating periods.