Gas Meters in Uzbekistan: Battery Issues and Unanswered Questions

Residents of Uzbekistan continue to complain about issues with gas meter batteries. The main concern is that when the battery fails, the meter stops transmitting data to the system. Many fear that after the battery is replaced, the data for several months will be processed as if consumed in one day, leading to exceeding social consumption limits and increased expenses.

«Hududgaztaminot» has tried to address these concerns. The company assured users that daily and hourly gas consumption data is stored in the meter’s memory for up to three months (90 days). If data cannot be transmitted due to a malfunction, it will be automatically distributed across the correct dates after the issue is resolved.

What’s next?
The company recommends users regularly compare the meter readings with those in their personal account. If the data does not match or the account balance remains unchanged, «Hududgaztaminot» advises contacting the short number 1104 or the gas technician of their local mahalla.

The company also stated that specialists are monitoring meters with battery or connectivity issues. While this is somewhat reassuring, a logical question arises: why are these widespread problems occurring in the first place?

Technical fault or systemic failure?
«Hududgaztaminot» has not yet provided a clear answer to the main question: why are the batteries failing earlier than expected? According to technical documentation, the data transmission module batteries are supposed to last between 5 and 8 years (depending on the meter model), while the main module battery is designed for 10–15 years of operation.

Mass installation of gas meters began in Tashkent in 2020, but by 2024, there are widespread complaints about battery failures. This raises the question: are the batteries not meeting even their minimum guaranteed lifespan?

If this is a systemic issue caused by defects or technical malfunctions, Uzbekistan could face the need for a mass replacement of batteries for millions of consumers. This leads to critical questions: can «Hududgaztaminot» handle such a large-scale task? Does the company have a sufficient supply of replacement batteries? Why are battery failures becoming so widespread just 3–4 years after installation?

What needs to be done?
The company must not only address the current problems but also provide clear answers about the root causes of these widespread failures. It is necessary to determine whether the issue is related to equipment quality or improper usage. Additionally, a contingency plan should be developed in case mass battery replacements become unavoidable.

For now, «Hududgaztaminot» is asking consumers to remain vigilant and monitor their data, but the question remains: how resilient will the system be in the coming years? Millions of consumers cannot be left at the mercy of technical malfunctions. Without answers to these questions, users will continue to doubt the system’s reliability and the fairness of billing. This uncertainty could undermine the reputation of «Hududgaztaminot.»