Categories Tajikistan

Tajik energy minister criticizes electricity distribution company over high losses and poor performance

Tajik energy minister criticizes electricity distribution company over high losses and poor performance

Tajikistan's Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Daler Juma, has expressed dissatisfaction with the poor performance of the national electricity distribution company, OJSC “Distribution Electric Networks,” over the first half of the year.

The press center of the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MoEWR) reports that during a meeting on July 14, the minister described the company's activities as unsatisfactory and issued direct orders to address existing shortcomings.  These reportedly included instructions to reduce electricity losses, prevent data manipulation, enhance staff accountability, improve customer service, and ensure proper preparation for the upcoming 2025–2026 autumn-winter period.

Despite these criticisms, the company’s leadership emphasized efforts to cut electricity losses, implement modern monitoring technologies, secure stable power supply to consumers, and collect full payments for consumed electricity.

Electricity losses in Tajikistan remain alarmingly high, despite significant investments in the power sector. According to the country’s energy companies, roughly 25% of generated electricity is lost during production, transmission, and distribution.

Official data shows that technical losses at hydropower and thermal power plants accounted for just 0.42% of total output in 2024, while losses on high-voltage transmission lines and substations were 3.31%.  However, the bulk of losses occur at the distribution stage and are categorized as commercial losses—often equated with theft.  In 2024, OJSC “Distribution Electric Networks” reported that these losses reached 21.6%.

Independent experts believe the real figure may be much higher—possibly exceeding 40%.

OJSC “Distribution Electric Networks” was established by a government decree in June 2019.  Its core mission is to ensure the reliable operation of the country’s electricity distribution infrastructure, maintain equipment, guarantee quality energy supply, and collect payments.  The company operates through seven regional branches in Dushanbe, Khujand, Guliston, Istaravshan, Bokhtar, Kulob, and districts subordinate to the center (RRP).

 

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