A comprehensive Uzbekistan energy reform initiative is delivering a deep transformation, with concrete steps reshaping how power is generated, distributed, and consumed. Since 2017, the country has moved beyond blueprints and into real-world change, marked by significant gains in Uzbekistan electricity production, a surge in renewable energy, and widespread public engagement in energy efficiency.
Between 2017 and 2024, Uzbekistan’s government enacted eight laws and over 90 presidential and cabinet resolutions to overhaul its energy sector. This robust policy framework was designed to support modernization, attract private investment, and liberalize tariffs—key elements in transitioning from a heavily subsidized model to one that operates on market logic.
The results of the reform are stark. In 2016, Uzbekistan generated 59 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. By 2024, that figure climbed to 81.5 billion kWh, a 38% jump. Per capita electricity generation also rose from 1,860 kWh to 2,200 kWh. In a clear sign of progress, the country added 11,000 megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity, triple the amount added over the prior 25 years combined.
This rapid growth did not come at the expense of efficiency. While the national economy expanded by 55%, the country’s energy intensity—the amount of energy used per unit of GDP—fell by 7.4%. This shift reflects more thoughtful energy use across agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Distribution infrastructure has also seen a leap forward. Authorities upgraded over 54,800 kilometers of networks and 17,200 transformer substations, bringing more reliable electricity to more than 8,000 communities. By comparison, only 9,300 kilometers of lines and 4,800 transformers were modernized in the 25 years between 1991 and 2016.
Renewable energy in Uzbekistan is now a growing part of the national mix. In 2024, fourteen solar and three wind plants with a combined capacity of 4,100 MW began operating across ten regions. These installations produced 4.9 billion kWh that year, placing clean energy on a more secure footing.
One of the most debated reforms, tariff liberalization, rolled out a new pricing model in May 2024. The plan introduced a social consumption norm to balance affordability with a push for rational energy use. The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) tracked the effects through household surveys and usage data.
The findings show that households responded quickly. Electricity consumption fell by 10.6% between May and December 2024 compared to the same period a year earlier, saving 1.3 billion kWh. Households consuming more than 10,000 kWh per month dropped from 80,000 in 2023 to just 15,000 in 2024. Gas usage followed a similar trend.
Residents noticed more than just lower bills. Nearly half of those surveyed reported that energy access had improved. In regions like Surkhandarya, Syrdarya, and Namangan, satisfaction with electricity supply reached 78%, 70%, and 67%, respectively.
The public didn’t just adapt; they acted. Over 90% of households introduced energy-saving measures. LED bulbs became the most popular choice (87% of respondents), followed by insulated doors and windows, and investment in energy-efficient appliances.
Uzbekistan solar energy also gained traction at the household level. About 64,000 homes now operate rooftop solar panels with a combined capacity of 223.4 MW, generating roughly 313 million kWh annually and replacing 104 million cubic meters of gas. The market potential is substantial, with an estimated 1.9 million households suitable for solar systems, representing a market worth over $2.3 billion.
Challenges remain, but so do opportunities. Many homes still rely on outdated heating methods. Residential upgrades could save more than $60 million each year. Furthermore, the World Bank estimates that schools and hospitals could reduce their electricity use by up to 50% with thermal upgrades, saving 7.1 billion kWh and cutting annual carbon emissions by 780,000 tons.
Uzbekistan’s energy transition is not a story of slogans or future promises. It is a story told in data, in household behavioral shifts, and in growing private investment. By building on clear policy, local engagement, and a shared drive for efficiency, the country has moved beyond the reform blueprint and into a new era of energy security and sustainability.
