Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 4 November 2024, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting focused on transforming the energy sector and attracting private operators to manage electrical networks in the regions.

Significant measures are being taken to adapt the industry to modern requirements. The separation of electricity production, transmission, and distribution processes among different companies has opened new investment opportunities. Over the past five years, US$4.3 billion has been invested in energy production, which has increased generating capacity by 5.7 gigawatts.

Four key enterprises — JSC "Uzbek National Electric Networks," "Regional Electric Networks," "Thermal Power Stations," and "Uzbekhydroenergo" — have already received international credit ratings. The next step will be transforming them into competitive companies, which will ensure stable electricity supplies and attract investment.

During the meeting, measures for implementing these tasks were discussed. It was emphasized that for each enterprise in the energy sector, a priority task is to reduce production costs, which can be achieved through project optimization, loss reduction, and improved procurement.

The transfer of distribution networks to private operators under partnership conditions is expected to attract US$4 billion for their modernization. Next year, it is planned to involve private companies in managing networks in the Samarkand, Jizzakh, and Syrdarya regions.

Instructions were given to expedite the transformation process and implement modern management methods within the framework of the concept adopted last year for creating a competitive energy market.

It was specifically noted that the coming year will be a year of rational resource use and increased efficiency for energy enterprises. The goal is to transform and digitize the operations of all sectors in the industry.

Responsible leaders presented their plans for effective cost management in these enterprises.