How much will Russian electricity cost Kazakhstan?

Today, the Senate deputies ratified the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Russian Federation on measures to ensure the parallel operation of the unified energy systems of both countries.

The document is now directed for the signature of the head of state.

"Under the Agreement, the energy system of Russia maintains frequency and voltage within acceptable limits in the unified energy system of Kazakhstan, compensating for hourly deviations between production and consumption in the UES of Kazakhstan. As part of the Agreement, the parties undertake necessary measures to ensure the parallel operation of the UES of Kazakhstan and Russia, including the annual coordination of the volumes of electricity planned for transmission from the RF to the UES of Kazakhstan.

"Additionally, the Agreement outlines the pricing for the purchase and sale of electricity—both within and beyond acceptable deviations of the actual interstate balance of electricity flows from the planned levels, based on contracts signed between the joint-stock company 'KEGOC' (Republic of Kazakhstan) and the public joint-stock company 'Inter RAO UES' (Russian Federation)," said the conclusion from the relevant Senate committee.

Later, in the corridors, journalists inquired about the cost of purchasing electricity from Russia for Kazakhstan.

"I don’t know the exact figure off the top of my head... I wouldn't want to mislead you... roughly speaking, around 100 billion tenge for 2024. We anticipate (in the future—editor's note) a reduction because we have introduced additional capacities. We will try to ensure that this year there is no more than 2 billion kWh, perhaps even less. It’s clear that the amount will also be less. After all capacities are brought online in two years, by 2027, I believe we will not need to purchase electricity from abroad—we will have export potential," explained Deputy Minister of Energy Sungat Yesimkhanov.

For his part, Senator Suindik Aldashev clarified that the amount will be calculated differentially based on the contract.

"If deviations within 150 MW from the planned flow are maintained, then there will be a single price—purely without markups. The cost of electricity will be plus 0.5 profitability. However, if daily deviations exceed 150 MW, then a surcharge will apply—for the transportation by 'Rosseti', our KEGOC networks, and for the servicing of dispatch services, which will then increase (the amount—editor's note). It is quite a significant amount—tens of billions of tenge.

"First and foremost, this is about our energy security. Unfortunately, we have to pay for it. And according to our energy specialists, they promise to cover the deficit and move into a surplus within two years," he stated.

Recall that back in the summer of 2023, Kazakhstan signed a contract for planned electricity supplies from Russia.

In the fall of last year, experts raised concerns that the 113 billion kilowatt-hours produced annually are insufficient to meet the needs of the population, while electricity imports jeopardize the country’s energy independence.

Therefore, experts insist that Kazakhstan needs a nuclear power plant, and not just one, but several. Their construction could cover the growing energy deficit, which is expected to increase each year.

At the end of last year, the head of the Ministry of Energy, in the corridors of the Mazhilis, discussed whether there is an increase in electricity consumption in Kazakhstan.

Recently, Almasadam Satkaliyev, at a briefing in the ministry, responded to complaints from Kazakhs about high bills for heat and electricity, arguing that the country's power grids are outdated and that tariffs have been raised to compensate for this wear and tear and to ensure the reliability of the networks.

Today, Deputy Minister of Energy Sungat Yesimkhanov, in the corridors of the Senate, spoke about whether Kazakhstanis should expect a rise in electricity tariffs.