Uzbekistan's power distribution networks were handed over to a private investor for the first time.

For the first time in Uzbekistan, management of distribution power grids has been transferred to a private investor, who has assumed investment obligations, according to the Ministry of Energy. Following an international tender held in the Samarkand region, the Turkish company Aksa Elektrik was declared the winner. The investor will be responsible for both the operation of existing infrastructure and the construction of new grids, introducing advanced international practices and technologies to the region.

According to the terms of the agreement, all personnel of the Samarkand Territorial Electric Grids company will be transferred to the new operator. Only 10-15 foreign specialists are planned to be hired, while the core staff will be comprised of local employees, who will receive advanced training programs and training on modern equipment.

The project also aims to support the domestic economy: the investor undertakes to purchase at least 90% of the necessary products and materials for modernization, reconstruction, and new construction from local manufacturers. The work will be carried out according to the "mahallabai" principle—400 targeted microprojects aimed at addressing electricity supply issues in specific mahallas have already been selected for the first two years.

"This business model is being implemented in the republic for the first time. Therefore, based on its initial results and accumulated experience, further work will be undertaken to expand this system to other regions. The President has issued relevant instructions in this regard," the Ministry of Energy emphasized.