Uzbekistan raises income threshold for receiving electricity and gas compensation

The income threshold for receiving compensation for electricity and gas has been raised to twice the minimum consumer expenditure

The Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan announced an expansion of social support measures for the population amid the gradual transition of the fuel and energy sector to market principles. The key change is an increase in the permissible average monthly income per family member used to determine need. This was reported by the outlet Daryo.uz citing the ministry.

What exactly is changing

When granting compensation for electricity and natural gas consumption, the income threshold has been raised from 1.5 to 2 minimum consumer expenditures — from 1.072 million to 1.43 million soums. For financial assistance to purchase coal, as well as for covering utility expenses through the Sakhovat va Kumak fund, paying off utility debts, and compensating coal or other fuel costs, the threshold has been raised from 1 to 2 minimum consumer expenditures — from 715,000 to 1.43 million soums. In practice, this means that families with higher incomes who previously did not meet the need criterion will now be able to qualify for support.

Extension of payment periods

The period for compensating the difference between tariffs within the base consumption norm for electricity and gas and tariffs for consumption above the base norm has been extended until April 1, 2028. The payment of financial assistance to cover part of the cost of purchasing coal has been extended until January 1, 2029. It was previously reported that some needy families in Uzbekistan would receive 1 million soums each.