Uzbekistan braces for near-record electricity demand amid heatwave

Uzbekistan is expected to see electricity consumption approach record levels as exceptionally hot weather drives up demand across the country, the Ministry of Energy has said.

Photo: MINENERGY.UZ

The ministry held another meeting of the Republican Headquarters responsible for preparing the fuel and energy system for the period of extreme heat, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply, and strengthening oversight of energy resource use.

According to the ministry, daily electricity consumption is forecast to reach 280 million kWh in the coming days, while peak demand is expected to range between 13 GW and 13.3 GW.

In response to the anticipated increase in load, energy companies have been instructed to ensure the reliable operation of power grids and substations, reinforce round-the-clock monitoring of energy facilities, and strengthen preventive maintenance.

The meeting also reviewed the causes of recent emergency outages at several substations in Tashkent.

The ministry said officials responsible for the shortcomings had been held personally accountable, with several managers dismissed from their positions.

As part of additional safety measures, the Ministry of Energy has decided to temporarily suspend the loading and unloading of liquefied petroleum gas during the hottest hours of the day. According to the ministry, the measure is intended to reduce the risk of fires and explosions.

The ministry also announced that enhanced inspections of energy and fuel infrastructure will be carried out jointly with the Prosecutor General's Office, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Uzenergoinspection, and the Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Committee to ensure compliance with industrial and fire safety requirements.

The meeting further addressed executive discipline and anti-corruption measures. The ministry stated that employees convicted of corruption-related offenses would be dismissed, while the heads of all enterprises within the energy system had received strict warnings regarding their personal responsibility.

Uzbekistan's all-time electricity consumption record stands at 283 million kWh in a single day, excluding electricity generated by small-scale solar panels. The previous record before that was set on July 18, 2025, at 272.6 million kWh, while the winter peak for 2025 reached 271.8 million kWh.