BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 6. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed progress on reforms in the country's energy sector, ordering officials to strengthen electricity and gas supply, reduce network losses and accelerate preparations for the 2026-2027 autumn-winter season.
This was reflected in the statement by the press service of the Uzbek president.
The update followed a July 27 government meeting on priority issues in the fuel and energy sector, during which the president criticized shortcomings in sector management, the reliability of electricity and gas supplies, and efforts to reduce accidents and energy losses.
During the presentation, officials outlined measures being implemented by the newly appointed leadership of the Ministry of Energy, Regional Electric Networks JSC and Uzenergy Inspectorate to carry out the president's directives.
"The measures must be implemented on the basis of a targeted approach and precise calculations to ensure stable electricity and gas supplies for the population and the economy," Mirziyoyev said, according to the presidential press service.
A pilot coordination center established in Yangiyul district to address electricity and gas supply issues was presented as a model for broader implementation. The center holds direct consultations with businesses and residents to resolve complaints related to power outages, insufficient grid capacity, low gas pressure, technical connection procedures and outstanding debts.
Based on the pilot's results, the government plans to establish similar systems in 13 additional districts before expanding the model nationwide.
Officials also reported on efforts to improve transparency in issuing technical connection permits for electricity and gas networks, strengthen anti-corruption measures and modernize aging infrastructure ahead of the winter heating season.
The government is upgrading electricity and gas networks, replacing outdated equipment, reducing technical losses and introducing measures to improve energy efficiency and minimize emergency outages.
The presentation also highlighted plans to introduce digital management tools and artificial intelligence to monitor sector operations, improve performance management and oversee the implementation of government directives.
Mirziyoyev instructed the Ministry of Energy to strengthen sector-wide coordination, ensure the timely implementation of investment projects and oversee preparations for the winter season. Regional Electric Networks JSC was tasked with improving service reliability, modernizing infrastructure and reducing outages, while Uzenergy Inspectorate was directed to intensify energy audits, strengthen oversight of energy consumption and accelerate efforts to reduce losses.
Additional attention was given to ensuring energy supplies for neighborhoods with limited access to natural gas and expanding private-sector participation in the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas as part of broader efforts to improve energy security and service reliability.
