Entrepreneurs protest forced solar panel installations by blocking roads in Syrdarya
Entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan Protest Unjust Disconnection From Electricity Grid
Entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan are speaking out against local government raids and the regional power grid company’s decision to disconnect them from the electrical grid for not installing solar panels. Describing these actions as illegal, the entrepreneurs have been gathering to protest and raise awareness about the situation.
In Syrdarya district, a group of entrepreneurs stood in front of the administration building to protest their unjustified disconnection from electricity by the regional power supply company. Many of them expressed their distress over the sudden loss of power and the lack of explanation from the power company.
One entrepreneur shared, “The regional power grid company cut off electricity to businesses, leaving many people in distress. They’re forcing us to install solar panels by cutting off the electricity. When we go to the power supply company, they say it’s voluntary, but they don’t explain why we’ve been disconnected.”
Another entrepreneur, who sells food products, highlighted the impact of the disconnection on their business, stating that without electricity, their refrigerated products would spoil, leading to additional costs and losses.
The entrepreneurs also took action by blocking the road in front of the administration building until the district mayor arrived to meet with them. Despite the Ministry of Energy deeming the disconnections illegal, the regional power company continues to enforce the requirement for entrepreneurs to install solar panels.
Reports from other districts and cities in Uzbekistan, such as Altinkul, Akkurgan, Fergana, and Kuvasoy, have also surfaced, indicating that entrepreneurs in various regions are facing similar pressures to install solar panels. The ongoing situation has sparked concerns among entrepreneurs about the detrimental effects on their businesses and livelihoods.
As the protests continue and entrepreneurs demand answers and fair treatment, the government and regional power authorities will need to address the grievances and find a resolution to the issue at hand.
