Conversation with the Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sherzod Khodjayev about the problems in the sector, their solution, discussions, natural resources and the current situation in the system…

Snow fell on the first day of December. The shortcomings of the energy system of the country began to appear during the rainy winter days – power failures and a decrease in natural gas pressure.

So, what are the problems in the energy sector?

Deputy Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Sherzod Khodjayev answered questions regarding the shortage of energy resources.

– If Uzbekistan starts importing natural gas from abroad, will it eliminate the energy problems?

– If a sufficient amount of natural gas is imported, the thermal power plants will produce enough electricity according to the schedule, and the consumers will be fully supplied. This will solve the problems associated with low gas pressure in homes.

As for the methane gas filling stations, the stations connected to residential gas networks should work according to a certain schedule, it should not have a negative effect on the cooking process in the evening on cold days. But it is possible to ensure the continuous operation of the branches drawn by a separate pipe through industrial collectors.

– Is it possible to redirect the gas produced by local and foreign companies to the domestic market?

– Today, the gas produced by foreign or joint companies is completely directed to the domestic consumer market. This process is supervised by Uztransgaz JSC.

– How is the provision of coal to remote areas organized? Are there measures to counter the artificial increase in coal prices?

– Of course. The President and the Government of the country have given appropriate assignments regarding the supply of coal to remote areas. The Prosecutor General’s Office controls this process.

As for the unjustified price increase, some people are trying to take advantage of the situation. The strongest legal measures are being taken against them. The price of one ton of coal produced in Angren coal mine is 300,300 UZS.

– There is an opinion that due to the poor quality of Angren coal, the number of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning has increased. How is coal quality controlled?

– Each ton of coal mined in Angren coal mine and loaded into the wagon is under special control. There is a well-established mechanism of interaction on this issue with the prosecutor’s offices.

But it is worth noting that the problems related to carbon monoxide are not related to the quality of the coal or from which mine it is produced, but are caused by improper operation of the furnaces. Simply put, whether it is Angren coal or imported coal, if the furnace is used incorrectly, it will produce carbon monoxide.

– Is it possible to create a reserve for the winter season from the natural gas produced in summer?

– We have two underground gas storage facilities in Uzbekistan. One of them is located in Gazli of Bukhara region, and the other is located in Khojabad district of Andijan region. These warehouses are filled in summer and diverted to the needs of the population in winter. For example, today, approximately 20 percent of the gas consumed in the country is taken from these warehouses.

– Are there plans to increase prices for the use of natural gas and electricity in Uzbekistan? Are the incomes of the lower strata of the population taken into account when prices rise?

– The experts decided to leave the basic tariffs unchanged, but proposals are being put forward for a sharp increase in prices when a certain gas consumption limit is exceeded. These proposals are currently being considered by the Government.

– Are those responsible for causing problems in the energy sector today being held criminally or otherwise liable?

– The actions or inactions of each official regarding the existing problems in the energy sector will be given a legal assessment by the relevant agencies. In addition, several executives were brought to disciplinary responsibility.

– Is it planned to allocate additional funds from the budget to solve the problem of gas and electricity?

– Due to the inability to supply thermal power plants with sufficient natural gas, fuel oil is used as a reserve fuel, which is exported from abroad. The cost of electricity produced using fuel oil is about 1,500 UZS, and the price of selling electricity to the population is 295 UZS. The resulting difference is covered by the state with the help of subsidies allocated to thermal power plants.

– They say that installing solar panels in Uzbekistan will be very expensive. What work is being carried out to stimulate the development of alternative energy sources?

– Presidential decrees and resolutions have been adopted regarding the development of alternative energy in Uzbekistan. According to it, whoever plans to install solar panels in his home can take advantage of the opportunity to receive a government subsidy or to pay the cost in installments without interest.

To speed up work in this regard, a separate marketplace has been developed by the Ministry of Energy – through the energymarket.uz platform, you can enter and purchase the products you need.

– Have measures been developed to ensure a continuous supply of electricity on the holiday, especially in the New Year?

– During holidays, especially during the New Year holiday, the demand for electricity decreases significantly. Because educational institutions, production enterprises temporarily stop their activities. Through this, the main part of the available electricity is directed to the population and some social sector objects. I think there will be no electrical problems during the New Year holiday.

In case of emergencies, 24/7 working groups are established and any local problems will be quickly resolved.

– Do you consider it expedient to provide early vacations to schools and higher education institutions to save electricity and natural gas?

– As far as I know, this issue is being considered by the Government. But it is impossible to solve current problems by giving a vacation.

– Is the Head of the state informed about the current problems in the energy sector? What assignments does the President give in this regard?

– A report on the situation in the energy sector is submitted to the Head of the state every hour. The President is taking this issue very seriously and giving instructions on establishing the activities of special headquarters, creating working groups in each region, ministry and agency to ensure a fair distribution of available resources between the population and social facilities.

At the same time, special tasks are given to increase the volume of natural gas production and import.

UzA