Ministry proposes extending lower-tariff electricity allowance to 350 kWh a month in gas-short areas during heating season
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.
**Ministry proposes raising lower-tariff electricity allowance to 350 kWh a month in gas-scarce areas during heating season**
Under the proposal, electricity use from 201 to 350 kWh per month would be billed at UZS 650 per kWh, down from the current UZS 900. The updated tariff would take effect on November 1.
For a household using 350 kWh a month, the electricity bill would drop from UZS 265,000 to UZS 227,500, a saving of UZS 37,500. A household consuming 250 kWh would save UZS 12,500, while one using 300 kWh would save UZS 25,000.
The ministry has put forward the proposal for public discussion as part of a broader set of measures tied to energy tariff reforms.
**Higher winter demand drives proposal**
According to the ministry’s analysis of electricity consumption from September 2025 to August 2026, household demand rises sharply during the heating season in areas without gas supplies.
The share of households using 351–500 kWh a month rose from 5% outside the heating season to 9% in winter. The proportion consuming more than 500 kWh increased from 3% to 10%.
The proposed threshold is expected to cover nearly 80% of electricity consumers in areas without gas. Average savings are estimated at about UZS 27,500 per household per month.
The heating season lasts 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 facing intermittent supply could also benefit from measures aimed at reducing winter energy costs.
**Additional support for households**
The proposal is part of a wider package of support 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 for electricity and natural gas expenses would also be broadened to include another 166,000 families.
The government is also weighing an extension of compensation for energy use above the standard allowance by one year, from April 1, 2027, to April 1, 2028. That would allow 470,000 families to keep receiving support, with an additional UZS 150 billion allocated for the measure.