SJSC Uzbekenergo has introduced the automated system of accounting and control over electricity consumption (Automated Metering System) at the cost of more than $800 million.

This information was announced at an international seminar on \"The program to implement automated system of accounting and control over electricity consumption in Uzbekistan and international experience\" held in Tashkent.

The event was organized with the support of the World Bank. Chairman of Uzbekenergo Batir Teshabaev acquainted the audience with the concept of AMS introduction in the country.

He noted that the reduction of energy consumption and the introduction of the modern energy-saving system at this stage is a strategic priority of the country. Uzbekistan\'s energy reserve efficiency is estimated at about 20%. At the same time, the bulk of the energy losses in the system (13-15%) are losses in distribution networks, 2.4% - in the transmission of electricity. 20% savings of the annually produced energy in the country is more than 10 billion kW/h, said Batir Teshabaev.

The energy company has already implemented a number of pilot projects on energy saving. In the capital, in particular, the modern experience is extended to 53,000 subscribers. The created automated accounting system is based on the multi-function electronic meters.

With the introduction of electronic energy meters automated systems for monitoring and metering are organized on their basis. They suggest computerization of all processes of information on energy consumption - its collection, processing and transmission of information to the collection centers.

As a result the volume of accounted electricity increased by 29%. This proves the high efficiency of the project.

Now the experience is implemented in all regions of the country, he said.

In accordance with the priorities of industrial development of the country in 2011-2015, and in the investment program of the republic for 2012, funds from the ADB and the World Bank have been attracted to implement the program of automated control systems and metering. The loan of the Islamic Development Bank is being prepared.

Government of Uzbekistan and Uzbekenergo received co-financing from the Asian Development Bank ($150 million) for implementation of the program in Samarkand, Bukhara and Jizzakh regions. The share of the Uzbek side is $59 million. On March 27, 2012 the Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank approved a loan of $180 million for the AMS project implementation in Tashkent city, Tashkent and Sirdaryo regions - the most energy-intensive region in terms of population and consumption of power energy. The share of the Uzbek side is $66 million.

The Asian Development Bank is ready for implementation in Uzbekistan of the second phase of energy conservation project, which will cover customers of three regions of Ferghana Valley and Kashkadarya with approximate cost of $240 million.

Borrowings from the Islamic Development Bank in the amount of $120 million will be spent on the implementation of AMS in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Navoi, Khorezm and Surkhandarya regions. In these regions, the dispersion of consumers and the need to transmit data over long distances is taken into account, he said.

The final stage is integration of all households in a single billing center. A phased implementation of the automated system of accounting and control over electricity consumption (AMS) will occur before 2015, he concluded.

It was noted that the implementation of a large-scale program to introduce metering will promote more efficient use of electricity in Uzbekistan, stimulating its economy.

During the workshop, representatives of smart meters and providers of commercial control systems have received information about the architecture of the individual projects funded by development banks, as well as plans to conduct procurement. (Source: UzReport.com)