Utility companies now responsible for meter calibration, eliminating consumer hassle

Service providers now responsible for meter calibration

In Uzbekistan, the requirement for individuals and businesses to apply for periodic calibration of electricity, natural gas, drinking water, and hot water meters has been abolished. Instead, the responsibility for ensuring timely calibration of expired meters now rests with the service providers.

This transition to a proactive service model was outlined in a government resolution passed in December last year.

Ellyor Karimov, an official from the Ministry of Justice, provided further clarification in an interview with Kun.uz.

"Individuals must have their meters calibrated every eight years, while businesses must do so every four years. Previously, citizens and legal entities had to visit public service centers or apply through the my.gov.uz portal to request calibration.

Meter calibration involves a metrology service checking whether the meter is functioning correctly. For example, it ensures that if one liter of water passes through, the meter does not incorrectly register two liters.

Under the old system, after an application was submitted to the service provider, a technician would visit, remove the meter, take it for calibration, and then reinstall it. The burden of responsibility lay with the consumer.

Now, consumers no longer need to apply. The service provider will monitor the meters, and three months before the calibration deadline, they will visit each household or business to remove the meter, calibrate it, and reinstall it."

Automatic payment deduction for calibration services

The fee for calibration will be automatically deducted from the consumer's account. Previously, a separate payment was required at the time of application. Under the new system, the required amount will be withdrawn from the consumer’s balance. For example, if a payment has already been made for electricity or gas, the fee will be deducted from that balance.

As of now, the calibration fee is set at 20% of the base calculation amount (75,000 UZS) for individuals and 1.5 times the base amount (562,500 UZS) for businesses.

What happens if the account does not have sufficient funds?

• The fee will be recorded as debt and deducted once the consumer makes a payment.

How do service providers track calibration deadlines?

• Service providers already have systems in place to monitor meters and maintain a database of calibration schedules.

What if no one is home when the technician arrives to remove the meter?

• The service provider will issue an official report and send it by mail. At that point, the responsibility for calibration will shift back to the consumer, who will need to apply for calibration at a public service center.

Consequences of failing to calibrate meters

If a meter is not calibrated on time, consumers will have to pay for utilities based on one of two rates:

1. Metered consumption, where charges are based on actual usage.
2. Flat-rate per person, where charges are based on the number of registered occupants in the household.

If a meter is missing or not calibrated on time, the consumer will be switched to the per-person rate, which could result in higher bills — even if the actual usage is lower. This makes it essential to ensure meters are calibrated on time.

What if the service provider fails to remove the meter on time?

If the service provider fails to collect and calibrate the meter on time, the consumer is not held responsible. If, due to the provider’s negligence, the consumer is switched to a per-person rate and charged unjustified fees, they can take legal action and potentially win the case.

For example, if the calibration deadline has passed but no technician arrived, leading to a shift to the per-person rate, the consumer can first file a complaint with the service provider. The provider is expected to acknowledge the mistake and correct the billing. If they fail to do so, the consumer can take the case to court.