Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan called on the population to stop using outdated lighting bulbs and electrical appliances. The Ministry notes that these devices consume an unreasonably large amount of electricity.

“Due to the sharp increase in electricity consumption, as well as due to bad weather conditions (cold, snow, wind), there are temporary power outages. The types and causes of such shutdowns are completely different. Thus, in order to reduce excessive consumption of electricity, temporary planned outages are practiced, which make it possible to reduce the gap between the usual (normative) consumption of electricity by household consumers and the sharp increase in consumption, which, in particular, we are seeing now,” the Ministry of Energy said in a statement.

“Outages are also catastrophic for a variety of reasons, from bad weather conditions to network failures during sudden surges in consumption. Also among the shutdowns are control rooms. This is a protective reaction of the system to an imbalance between electricity generation and its consumption,” the message says.

The Ministry of Energy notes that it is natural that there is no physical difference between the types of power outages, that is, the consumer cannot know why exactly there is no power supply at the moment. In this connection, often, the population speaks of an increase in planned outages.

“The Ministry would also like to remind once again about the direct relationship between the growth of energy consumption and the weakening of gas pressure. Currently, up to 80-90% of the electricity generation that enters the homes of residents is accounted for by thermal power plants (TPPs). That is, natural gas is burned to produce electricity. And with increased demand for electricity, as it is now, more gas is burned and much more,” the statement says.

“Therefore, the Ministry of Energy has repeatedly explained to residents about the need not to use outdated lighting bulbs that consume an unreasonably large amount of electricity, outdated and also energy-consuming heating appliances, etc. The habit of saving electricity, the choice of energy-efficient equipment is the only way to a stable energy supply for the country and saving such an important resource as natural gas,” the ministry emphasizes.

“Without a rational and economical approach to the resources of each citizen, any measures to increase the volume of electricity generation, commission new stations, increase gas production will not bring the desired efficiency in the form of a stable energy supply to the population and the economy,” the Ministry notes.