North Kazakhstan (Petropavlovsk) issue No.91 (23692), July 29, 2010.
Reports by Monopolists /Alesya Antonova/
Reports on making-out of estimated tariffs for regulated services and investment obligations by natural monopolies based on the results of 2009 were considered on Tuesday by the members of “round table” held at regional Maslikhat (Administration).
Management of companies-monopolists submitted their reports on the subject of fixed capital assets, including investment portfolio funds, to representatives of competent authority, executive authority and general public for consideration. Accounts of costs and profit were rendered by B.N. Barmin – Heat-and-Power Plant No.2 “Sevkazenergo” JSC, G.M. Ten – “North Kazakhstan Regional Power Corporation”, S.V. Vizerov – chief engineer of “Petropavl su”, A.V. Kalinichev – “Petropavlovsk Heat Supply Network” LLP, Y.K. Kopenov – “North Kazakhstan Power Center”, Y.N. Shishkin-GOrgazservice”.
Group of companies of “Sevkazenergo” JSC make methodical efforts for preparation to heating season. Within the framework of such efforts existing equipment is updated and modernized and new equipment is purchased, projects aimed at improvement of quality of electric and thermal power supply to consumers are implemented. Measures for power and resources supply both to production needs and to company customers are actively carried out. City water supply company and gas supply company make similar efforts.
Chairman of the “round table” – director of North Kazakhstan Area Department of the Republic of Kazakhstan Agency for Natural Monopolies Regulation – M.K. Mustafin, prior to discussion of rendered accounts noticed that activity of natural monopolies for the last year can be considered as satisfactory save for some moments that have been dealt with in the regular course of business. M.K. Mustafin emphasized positive dynamics of currently effective differentiated tariffs. Natural monopolies profits are indicative of such dynamics. Above-standard losses are being reduced. Still, there is much to do.
Nevertheless, addresses by old-timers-members of expert council under the North Kazakhstan Area Department of the Republic of Kazakhstan Agency for Natural Monopolies Regulation were filled with concern for the current state of energy sector of the area, introduction of common heating meters for apartment buildings. They believe that level of electric power consumption per a person is too low. Experts stated their suggestions on public-private partnership in energy sector management and in increase of the rate of consumption by a person. As per the deputy of the city administration – Anatoli Mishin, appeal to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan for reconsideration of the procedure of common-building heat accounting devices installation since such equipment shall be installed in every house. Based on the results of conducted inspection members of public commission consisting of active veterans noticed positive examples of modernization, reconstruction and new construction of power facilities in the city. Efforts of natural monopolists shall be supported by consumers especially as regards energy conservation and quality preparation of power facilities to new heating season.
Striking the balance, members of the commission unanimously admitted that current situatioan shall be rectified and not only by tariffs rasing. Natural monopolies should operate within the framework of long-term investment programs and in maximum possible transparent way for the customers.