Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan will implement a large-scale reform of its residential and building heating system to enhance energy efficiency. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree outlining the initiative.

The document sets key priorities for ensuring sustainable heat energy supply over the next five years. These include establishing a unified state policy in the sector, developing strategic solutions based on international best practices, and creating a specialized organization to oversee and coordinate heating enterprises.

A major focus of the reform will be the construction of local boiler houses and the introduction of alternative heating technologies in multi-story buildings (four floors and higher) that are not connected to the centralized heating system. These measures are expected to reduce gas consumption in each building by at least 20%.

Additionally, the plan includes modernizing 103 outdated boiler houses and upgrading 1,600 kilometers of centralized heating networks. In nine cities and districts, modernization projects will be implemented through public-private partnerships, while 13 other locations will receive support from international financial institutions. As a result, centralized heating coverage is set to increase from 37% to 58%, while heat losses will be reduced from 38% to 20%.

As part of the reform, the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services will establish a joint-stock company, Issiqlik ta’minoti, which will be responsible for implementing state heating policies.

Starting from 1 June 2025, several new regulations will take effect. All new and renovated buildings requiring technical conditions approval must incorporate renewable energy sources, alternative heating systems, and energy-saving equipment into their design documentation.

Moreover, the installation of metering devices will become mandatory in apartment buildings and other structures, along with the construction of internal heating and hot water supply systems.

In areas with centralized heating, new apartment buildings, administrative offices, as well as social, industrial, and business facilities will be required to connect to the heating networks.