"This is the reality, and we shouldn't hide it": Tokayev discusses potential increases in utility service rates.

During an expanded government meeting, Tokayev stated that the country has the lowest utility tariffs among CIS countries and instructed to review these matters, as reported by NUR.KZ, citing Akorda.

https://www.nur.kz/politics/kazakhstan/2214065-tokaev-tarify-na-elektroenergiyu-i-gaz-dolzhny-sootvetstvovat-rynochnym-usloviyam/2025-01-29 08:29:23

According to the president, the acute crisis in the energy and utility sectors has been overcome thanks to the efforts of the government and local executive bodies. However, the government faces the task of preventing such situations in the future.

"Accidents at thermal power stations tarnish the country's image, undermine its reputation, and reflect the irresponsibility and unprofessionalism of civil servants. In akimats, utility management positions are held by non-specialists, such as lawyers and other humanities graduates.

It is imperative to immediately transition to new operational standards for energy and utility facilities. The government must continue to implement a new tariff policy. Tariffs should align with market conditions; otherwise, uninterrupted supply of electricity, heat, and water will become unfeasible.

In almost all CIS countries, tariffs and prices for electricity, gas, and petroleum products are higher than in Kazakhstan, leading to distortions and imbalances in our economy. This is the reality, and we should not hide from it," - notes Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The president believes that the smuggling of fuel to neighboring countries creates fertile ground for crime.

It should be noted that last year, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during an expanded government meeting, issued directives for the development of the country's utility and energy infrastructure. He also spoke about increasing utility tariffs at that time.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the need to adopt a national project for the modernization of the energy and utility sectors during his address to the people of Kazakhstan on September 2, 2024.

At that time, Tokayev stated that the country needs to address urgent infrastructure issues, "primarily concerning the energy sector and utilities."

At the end of last year, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbaev reported on the progress of preparing the national project for the modernization of energy and utility infrastructure.

It was reported that the project, planned for the next five years, includes upgrading the existing infrastructure of the energy and utility sectors and constructing and modernizing over 6,000 MW of electric generation capacity. The total cost of the project will exceed 10 trillion tenge.

Additionally, recently, Deputy Minister of National Economy Arman Kasenov discussed whether the new national project for the modernization of the energy and utility sectors would lead to an increase in tariffs.