Penalties for illegal energy use to be strengthened

Penalties for the illegal use of energy resources will be increased, reported Uz24.uz.

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis passed a draft law in its first reading to strengthen measures against violations in the fuel and energy sector. Lawmakers emphasized the urgency of tackling inefficient electricity and gas usage.

. Currently, only organization officials face liability.
. There is no defined procedure for holding individual entrepreneurs accountable.
. In 2024 alone, 17,600 electricity and 7,600 gas-related violations by entrepreneurs were detected.
. The draft law proposes recognizing entrepreneurs as subjects of administrative offenses.
. Penalties for illegal connections and resource theft will be increased.
. Authorities such as the Energy Inspectorate, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Emergency Ministry will gain the right to issue protocols.

From December 2024 to mid-February 2025, 167 cases of illegal gas use and 6,472 thefts were recorded, totaling 133.8 million cubic meters of gas and 227.7 billion UZS in damage.

On June 16, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev demanded that all gas-related issues be resolved within two weeks following rising complaints from the public.