Translated with AI
The Tajik authorities have stepped up measures to combat losses and illegal consumption of electricity in the country. Since the entry into force of new amendments to the Criminal and Administrative Codes aimed at ensuring efficient use of energy, significant progress has been recorded, the State Energy Inspectorate under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan reported.
In April of this year, President Emomali Rahmon signed the laws "On Amendments to the Criminal Code" and "On Amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses." These legislative initiatives are aimed at reducing losses in the energy system, preventing theft, and improving energy consumption discipline among both citizens and organizations.
As noted by the head of the inspection and safety assessment department of the State Energy Inspectorate Muhammad Odinaev, in May 2025 alone, 272 violations of the rules for the use of electric and thermal energy were identified, with a total volume of 6 million kWh, which caused damage in the amount of 4.3 million somoni. Administrative protocols were drawn up against 416 responsible persons, and materials under Article 253 of the Criminal Code were transferred to the prosecutor's office.
"Our main goal is not only to prevent violations, but also to explain to citizens the essence of new legislative requirements. We are conducting a broad information campaign in cooperation with local authorities, law enforcement agencies, the media and through mobile messages," Odinaev emphasized.
Also, according to him, an important tool in the fight against energy losses has become the introduction of the Automated System for Control and Accounting of Electricity (ASCUE). In particular, in the Sino district of Dushanbe, the system has already proven its effectiveness: electricity losses have decreased from 19% to 8%, and the level of payment collection has reached 99-100%.
Mirali Kalandarov, Head of the Production and Technical Service of the Dushanbe branch of Electric Grid Distribution Companies, noted that the key advantage of the new billing system is the ability to fully control consumption and eliminate theft.
As part of a large-scale project, 196,883 smart meters are planned to be installed in the Ismoili Somoni, Shokhmansur and Firdavsi districts by the end of 2025. The goal is to reduce electricity losses and increase the level of payment for services.
According to the energy inspection, in April-June of this year the level of technical and commercial losses was 10.4%. The authorities have set the task of reducing this figure to the minimum acceptable level.
During a working meeting on April 25 at the Palace of the Nation, President Emomali Rahmon instructed to take comprehensive measures to combat losses and modernize accounting systems. The agenda also includes accelerated implementation of digital solutions, implementation of investment projects and increased liability for illegal consumption of resources.
Combating electricity losses and theft has become a priority for government policy in Tajikistan. The authorities hope that legal reform, technological solutions and active citizen participation will help ensure sustainable electricity supply and promote the country's energy independence.
