Utility rates to rise 10-30% on average to finance equipment upgrades - MinistryThe utility rates in Kazakhstan will increase on average by 10%-30%, Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantirov said."In Q2 2023, the ministry urgently approved 212 bids for higher utility tariffs and revised capex programs valid from July 1, 2023. As a result, the rise in utility rates will be moderate averaging from 10% to 30%, balancing off both interests of consumers and providers," Kuantirov said at a government meeting on Wednesday.The Ministry of National Economy said that heat supply networks have a depreciation rate of 65% across 27 companies, of which 24 received approval for their capex programs worth a total of 112 billion tenge for 2023. "The expected reduction in the wear and tear rate is 55%-58%. The average heat bill for a two-room apartment will increase by 1,620 tenge or 20%," Kuantirov said.In the power generation sector, the depreciation rate exceeds 70%. 19 electricity producers had their investment programs approved for 92 billion tenge this year. "As a result, the average power bill for a two-room apartment will increase by 660 tenge or 20%," Kuantirov said.The Minister noted that 13 water supply companies will invest 29.5 billion tenge in the upgrade of the infrastructure which has a depreciation rate of 70%. "The average water supply bill for a two-room apartment will increase by 200 tenge or 25%," the minister said.Similar investment programs have been approved for 23 out of 26 sewage companies, which will invest 15.3 billion tenge in 2023 with sewage bills increasing by an average of 30% or 220 tenge."The total bill for all utility services will increase by 3,000-4,000 tenge," the Minister of National Economy said.The Minister noted that the "Tariff in Exchange for Investment" program designed for 2023-2029 is expected to raise 3 trillion tenge for the modernization of 62,000 km of utility networks and reduce the wear and tear of utility equipment by 20%. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX