Who pays to replace a meter in Uzbekistan?

26 October 2026

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“Why should I buy a new meter if the utility is supposed to replace it?” It is a fair question. There is a rule covering this. Before paying—or disputing a charge—establish what happened to the meter and which procedure applies.

Your meter failed verification: when does the utility pay for replacement?

Resolution No. 698 provides for utility-funded replacement

When a meter fails metrological verification, the metrology service issues a notice of unfitness. Paragraph 27 of each of the three administrative regulations under Resolution No. 698 requires the relevant utility to arrange repair or replacement and cover those costs: the electricity network enterprise, gas utility, or drinking/hot-water supplier respectively. Paragraph 15 specifically mentions individuals and entrepreneurs operating without establishing a legal entity. These provisions concern the prescribed procedure, rather than every retail purchase.

Why “always free” is too broad

Verification, repair, replacement and choosing to buy a new meter are different transactions. The regulations provide for public-service fees; the payer and amount depend on the resource and applicant category. Household electricity metering has specific provisions for network-enterprise funding. A verification fee does not by itself mean that the customer must also pay for a replacement meter.

The resource matters

Electricity. Paragraph 65 of the electricity rules under No. 319 assigns the listed household-meter operations, including periodic verification and replacement, to the network enterprise. Newly built apartment blocks have a separate developer-funded provision. Paragraph 66 distinguishes customer-caused interference from cases where customer fault is not confirmed; in the latter case, the supplier funds repair or replacement.
Gas. Check meter ownership alongside the No. 698 procedure. Under paragraphs 82 and 84 of the gas rules under No. 319, meters installed through the automated gas-metering project belong to the gas utility, while the owner reimburses the operations listed in paragraph 84. A blanket answer without the meter’s documents can be misleading.
Water. Paragraph 65 of the water rules under No. 194 specifically assigns replacement of household water meters whose verification period has expired to the water utility. The same paragraph also allows customers voluntarily to commission accredited organisations at their own expense.
Heat. A heat-energy meter is not a hot-water meter. Paragraph 49 of the heat-supply rules under No. 194 assigns the listed operations to the customer’s expense. Citing No. 698 alone does not establish free replacement of every heat meter.

What if you prefer another model?

Choosing and buying a new meter yourself is a separate paid purchase. It does not automatically become the utility’s obligation or guarantee reimbursement. Before ordering, establish whether repair or replacement is available under the prescribed procedure, who will arrange it, and which meter is approved for installation. Buying from a retailer is an option, rather than a required step for every meter owner.

Questions to ask when you are charged

What triggered replacement: failed verification, an expired verification period, damage, relocation or a voluntary upgrade?
Where is the notice of unfitness, removal report or other supporting document?
Who owns the meter, and which consumer category applies?
Which current rule authorises the charge? Does the amount cover verification, a new meter, repair or additional work?

Request an itemised written calculation and the legal basis. If you disagree, submit written objections with supporting documents and ask for reconsideration. Do not remove the meter or seals yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Select a question to read the answer ↓

Is the commenter right?

Yes, in pointing out that utility-funded repair or replacement is provided for. Applying that rule requires the actual procedure and circumstances. A social-media comment cannot establish ownership, the cause of failure or the service being charged.

Can I buy a meter and claim the money back?

Do not assume reimbursement is automatic. Obtain a written decision and agree on the procedure first. A retail purchase alone does not establish the utility’s duty to refund it.

What should I rely on: a technician’s assurance or documents?

Request the replacement grounds, findings, report and calculation. Ask for the specific applicable provision. Those documents are more useful than arguing that one side must always pay.

Save this guide. If you are immediately told to buy a new meter, first ask: “What is the legal basis for charging me for this replacement?”

Legal sources and review date

Checked on 26 October 2026. This guide concerns Uzbekistan; individual charges depend on the documents and applicable rules.

Your meter failed verification: when does the utility pay for replacement?