Ministry proposes extending lower-tariff electricity allowance to 350 kWh a month in gas-short areas during heating season

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The Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services has proposed raising the monthly electricity consumption limit eligible for a lower tariff from 200 kWh to 350 kWh during the heating season for households in areas without natural gas or with unreliable gas supplies. The change could save more than 1.5 million households a combined UZS 171 billion over the winter.

Under the proposal, electricity consumption between 201 and 350 kWh per month would be charged at UZS 650 per kWh, down from the current UZS 900. The revised rate would apply from November 1.

For a household consuming 350 kWh a month, the electricity bill would fall from UZS 265,000 to UZS 227,500, saving UZS 37,500. Households using 250 kWh would save UZS 12,500, while those consuming 300 kWh would save UZS 25,000.

The ministry has submitted the proposal for public discussion as part of a broader package of measures accompanying energy tariff reforms.

Higher winter demand drives proposal

The ministry's analysis of electricity consumption from September 2025 to August 2026 found that household demand rises significantly during the heating season in areas without gas supplies.

The share of households consuming 351–500 kWh a month increased from 5% outside the heating season to 9% during winter. The proportion using more than 500 kWh rose from 3% to 10%.

The proposed limit is expected to cover nearly 80% of electricity consumers in areas without gas. Average savings are estimated at around UZS 27,500 per household per month.

The heating season runs from October to February in Karakalpakstan and Khorezm region, and from November to February in the rest of the country. Households connected to the gas network but experiencing intermittent supplies could also benefit from measures addressing winter energy costs.

Additional support for households

The proposal forms part of a wider package of assistance for households affected by energy tariff changes.

In November, families in need are expected to receive a one-time payment of UZS 1 million. Eligibility for compensation covering electricity and natural gas costs would also be expanded to include an additional 166,000 families.

The government is also considering extending compensation for energy consumption above the standard allowance by one year, from April 1, 2027, to April 1, 2028. This would allow 470,000 families to continue receiving support, with an additional UZS 150 billion earmarked for the measure.