Uzbekistan issues warning on power payment restrictions due to waste collection debts
Starting in October, Uzbekistan’s electricity provider Regional Power Grids has begun sending SMS notifications to customers, warning them about potential restrictions on electricity payments due to outstanding waste collection debts. The company has clarified that while notifications are being sent, no payment restrictions have been imposed yet.
This initiative follows a government decision aimed at linking waste collection debts with electricity payments, as part of broader reforms to enhance waste management in the country. This policy, introduced by a presidential decree, will first be implemented in Tashkent from June 1, 2024, and later expanded to Nukus and regional centers from November 1. By 2025, the policy will cover the entire country.
RPG stated that the SMS notifications, sent from the number 2100, are meant to alert customers about unpaid waste collection fees. However, these notifications currently do not impact the ability to pay for electricity. The company is currently undergoing technical work to enforce restrictions for customers who do not settle their waste collection debts in the future.
In response to customer complaints regarding the messages, RPG clarified that it is simply relaying information provided by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology. The company stressed that customers should directly address their waste collection payment issues with waste management service providers.
RPG also mentioned that the restriction on electricity payments will not be enforced until legal changes are made to the relevant electricity and consumer protection laws, as well as amendments to the contracts between the electricity provider and its customers. This ensures that any restrictions will be implemented in accordance with legal standards.
The idea of integrating waste collection payments into electricity bills has been discussed previously. In December 2020, it was proposed as a method to reduce payment arrears in Tashkent, but the plan was never fully executed.
In January 2024, Tashkent experienced a significant increase in the fees for waste collection services. The monthly fee per person for residents rose from 4,500 UZS to 7,500 UZS, while fees for public and private organizations increased from 53,986 UZS to 89,966 UZS.
