Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a video conference meeting was held on 12 December, at which the preparation to winter season was discussed.

Serious preparations have been made for the current winter season. Internal reserves have been fully utilized and networks have been modernized. Shortcomings in institutions, mahallas and enterprises have been eliminated.

Systematic work has been established to create additional energy capacity. As a result, 675 megawatts of capacity were put into operation in a short time, and by the end of the year 7 stations with a total capacity of 2.2 thousand megawatts will be launched. In addition, 100 substations, 11.5 thousand transformers and 34 thousand kilometers of electrical networks were updated.

The situation in the city of Tashkent, where population density and electricity consumption are high, was separately touched upon. In particular, 2 new substations with a total capacity of 286 megawatts were built in the capital. 228 transformers, 1130 kilometers of networks were updated. 260 kilometers of high-voltage cable lines have been laid.

The head of our state emphasized the need to continue this work and complete the activities planned in the training program in a short time.

The meeting also discussed interruptions and problems observed in the energy system of some regions. The President paid special attention to the opinions of the population expressed on social networks.

For example, at gas filling stations in Namangan region there are interruptions in fuel supplies. In Balykchi, Pakhtaabad, Markhamat and Andijan districts, problems with power supply have worsened due to cold weather. There are reports that the lights often go out in Guzar and Kasbi districts of Kashkadarya region.

The head of state once again emphasized the need to promptly eliminate such shortcomings and prevent them in the future. Managers of electricity and gas supply enterprises have been instructed to prepare emergency teams and ensure their work around the clock, and to increase the supply of necessary tools and materials.

This year a new coal supply system was launched. As a result of timely measures, 5.9 million tons of coal were produced. 930 thousand tons were supplied to the population, another 93 thousand tons - for the social sphere.

It was instructed to ensure daily control over the supply of coal from warehouses in the regions to the population and social facilities, and to create the necessary reserves of coal at facilities where the heating system has been transferred to private partners.

The importance of rational use of energy resources and suppression of cases of their illegal consumption was emphasized.

It has been determined that from this day all law enforcement agencies and social infrastructure services will be transferred to round-the-clock operation.

At the meeting, special attention was paid to the issues of creating favorable conditions for celebrating the New Year.

It was noted that cultural events will be held at a high level, entertainment programs and services will be expanded. Fairs with reduced prices will be organized in the markets. The Prosecutor General’s Office will oversee attempts to unjustifiably inflate prices.

The importance of ensuring the stable operation of public transport and quality service for passengers in the metro and buses was pointed out. Issues of improving conditions at stops, cleaning roads and improving road safety were also touched upon.

The meeting heard a report from the Government Commission on Winter Preparation and other officials.