On November 4, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on the transformation of the electric power sector and the involvement of private operators in the management of power networks in the regions.
Necessary measures are taken to adapt this industry to modern requirements. The production, transmission and distribution of electricity have been divided between separate companies, which has opened up opportunities for attracting investment. Over the past five years, $4.3 billion has been invested in electricity production, which has created new capacities of 5.7 gigawatts.
Four enterprises in the industry JSC “Uzbek National Electric Networks”, “Regional Electric Networks”, “Thermal Power Plants” and “Uzbekgidroenergo” have already received international credit ratings. The next step is to turn them into competitive companies through transformation. This will contribute to both the guaranteed supply of electricity to consumers and independent investment attraction.
Measures in this direction were discussed at the meeting. It was emphasized that the primary task of each energy sector enterprise is to reduce production costs. This can be achieved by optimizing projects, reducing losses and improving procurement.
It is estimated that the transfer of distribution networks to investors on the basis of private partnership will allow to attract $4 billion for their modernization. To this end, it is planned to attract private operators to manage networks in Samarkand, Jizzakh and Syrdarya regions next year.
Instructions have been given to speed up the transformation of sectoral enterprises and introduce a modern management system in them as part of the implementation of the concept of creating a competitive energy market adopted last year.
It has been strictly defined that next year will be the year of rational use of resources and efficiency for energy enterprises. The task was set to transform and digitalize the activities of industry enterprises down to the grassroots level.
Responsible officials reported plans on effective waste management in the enterprises.