Uzbekistan opens the way for private investors to manage regional power grids

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a large-scale package of measures aimed at modernizing state-owned enterprises and involving private investors in infrastructure projects. The document provides for structural changes in energy and transport, the creation of new operating companies with a state share of at least 51%, and the expansion of public-private partnerships (PPP) at the regional level. Special attention is paid to the modernization of power grids and railway infrastructure with the participation of private capital.

JSC "Thermal Power Plants" will receive 100% of the authorized capital of the Takhiatash TPP, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance plans to complete a 60% stake in "Temiryulinfratuzilma" and shares in other key companies by April 1. The creation of new operators will improve the efficiency of energy transmission and distribution, improve the quality of service and introduce modern technologies. Amendments to the laws "On Privatization", "On Electric Power Industry" and "On Railway Transport" will be prepared by early April.

Regional PPP practice will become a pilot project: in two regions, private partners will operate power grids, using the experience of the Samarkand region, where network modernization has been underway since 2024. Private capital is expected to attract investment, reduce energy losses, modernize 6–10 kV to 35 kV lines, expand the street lighting system, and introduce innovative technologies that increase the efficiency and reliability of energy systems.