Editing Public utility (section)

=== Kazakhstan ===
Public utilities in [[Kazakhstan]] include heating, water supply, sewerage, electricity and communications systems.

==== Heating systems ====
* They are mainly represented by centralized networks, with the exception of some rural areas.
* Various types of fuels are used, including coal, natural gas and fuel oil.
* Many systems need to be upgraded to increase their efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.

==== Water supply systems ====
* They provide the population with drinking and industrial water.
* The sources of water are rivers, lakes and groundwater.
* The level of water quality in some regions is of concern.
* It is necessary to increase the efficiency of water resources use and improve water quality.

==== Sewerage systems ====
* Wastewater is diverted from residential and industrial facilities.
* The level of wastewater treatment in some regions does not meet modern standards.
* Sewerage systems need to be expanded and upgraded to protect the environment.

==== Power supply ====
* It is provided by power plants running on various types of fuels, including coal, natural gas, hydropower and nuclear energy.
* There are problems with power outages, especially in rural areas.
* It is necessary to modernize the power grid and increase their efficiency.
* The heating, water supply and sewerage systems of Kazakhstan, although functioning, require urgent modernization. The technical capabilities of these networks are becoming outdated, which leads to an increase in operating costs and a decrease in their reliability.

A report by the [[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]] (EBRD) notes that additional investments are needed to improve the efficiency and reliability of these systems.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |title=Commercialising the utilities sector in Kazakhstan |url=https://www.ebrd.com/documents/municipal-infrastructure/commercialising-the-utilities-sector-in-kazakhstan.pdf?blobnocache=true |journal=European Bank for Reconstruction and Development}}</ref>

The analysis conducted by the EBRD revealed a number of problems faced by heating, water supply and sewerage systems in Kazakhstan.
* Outdated technologies: In many cases, the infrastructure has exhausted its resource and needs to be replaced.
* Low energy efficiency: Existing systems consume a lot of energy, which leads to unjustified costs.
* Unreliability: Worn-out networks often fail, which leads to interruptions in the supply of water and heat, as well as leaks.

The report also provides examples of cities where networks are being upgraded with the support of the EBRD. These projects demonstrate how the introduction of modern technologies can improve the efficiency, reliability and environmental friendliness of heating, water supply and sewerage systems.

Upgrading infrastructure is not just a matter of convenience. It is of vital importance for public health, environmental protection and ensuring the sustainable development of the economy of Kazakhstan.

In most cases, public utilities in Kazakhstan are state-owned, which means that their activities are directly regulated by akimats. This creates a system with an administrative nature of relations, where the authorities have the authority to issue mandatory instructions for these companies.

===== The influence of the state on the activity =====
Proponents of such a system emphasize that it allows the authorities to directly influence the commercial activities of public utilities, ensuring their compliance with state interests. This can be expressed in:
* Tariff control: Akimats can set tariffs for housing and communal services, making them accessible to the public.
* Ensuring the quality of services: The State can influence the standards of service by ensuring the provision of public services of appropriate quality.
* Implementation of social programs: Public utilities can participate in social programs aimed at supporting vulnerable segments of the population.

===== Limitations of State control =====
However, such a system has its drawbacks. Excessive government intervention can lead to:
* Reduced efficiency: Bureaucratic procedures and restrictions in decision-making can slow down the work of enterprises and hinder the introduction of innovations.
* Unreasonable expenses: Administrative barriers and inefficient management can lead to an increase in inappropriate expenses.
* Limiting investments: The uncertainty of government policy and the risks of interference from akimats may deter potential investors.

Resource efficiency:

Despite these limitations, utilities within the framework of this system can demonstrate high efficiency in the use of labor resources and management costs.<ref name=":2" />

Residents of Kazakhstan receive water, sewerage and heating from companies recognized by the state as natural monopolies. This means that there is no competition in these areas, and tariffs are set by a special state body – the Committee for Regulation of Natural Monopolies, Competition and Consumer Protection (CRNM and CP).<ref>{{Cite web |title=О естественных монополиях - ИПС "Әділет" |url=https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z980000272_ |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=adilet.zan.kz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Об утверждении Положения о Комитете по регулированию естественных монополий, защите конкуренции и прав потребителей Министерства национальной экономики Республики Казахстан и признании утратившими силу некоторых приказов Министра национальной экономики Республики Казахстан - ИПС "Әділет" |url=https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/G17NT000153 |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=adilet.zan.kz}}</ref>

In order to ensure the smooth operation of public utilities, the state also controls the investment programs of monopolistic companies. This is handled by the Committee on Construction and Housing and Communal Services. Such a system allows you to regulate prices for utilities and direct investments to infrastructure development.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Об утверждении Положения республиканского государственного учреждения "Комитет по делам строительства и жилищно-коммунального хозяйства Министерства по инвестициям и развитию Республики Казахстан" - ИПС "Әділет" |url=https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/G17IL000128 |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=adilet.zan.kz}}</ref> However, this system also has its disadvantages. For example, the lack of competition can lead to a decrease in the efficiency of monopolistic companies.

To protect the interests of consumers from unjustified overpricing and substandard service, there are special regulatory bodies whose powers are regulated by the Law "On Natural Monopolies" and other regulatory acts.

Main functions:
* Investment promotion: Development of tariff calculation methods that are attractive to both consumers and private investors interested in investing in the modernization of public infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Об утверждении Методики расчета тарифа с учетом стимулирующих методов тарифообразования - ИПС "Әділет" |url=https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/V1700016212 |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=adilet.zan.kz}}</ref>
* Control over the use of funds from IFIs: Determining the specifics of regulating the activities of natural monopolies that attract financing from international financial institutions (IFIs). This allows you to track the intended use of borrowed funds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Об утверждении Особого порядка регулирования деятельности субъектов естественных монополий, привлекающих займы международных финансовых организаций и входящих в перечень субъектов естественных монополий, привлекающих займы международных финансовых организаций - ИПС "Әділет" |url=https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/V1500012506 |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=adilet.zan.kz}}</ref>
* Formation of a transparent tariff policy: Establishment of rules obliging monopolistic companies to publicly disclose information about tariffs, as well as infrastructure development plans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Об утверждении Правил утверждения тарифов (цен, ставок сборов) и тарифных смет на регулируемые услуги (товары, работы) субъектов естественных монополий - ИПС "Әділет" |url=https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/V1300008642 |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=adilet.zan.kz}}</ref>
* Analysis of investment programs: Evaluation of investment programs of natural monopolies, approval of development plans and control over their implementation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Об утверждении Правил утверждения инвестиционных программ (проектов) субъекта естественной монополии, их корректировки, а также проведения анализа информации об их исполнении - ИПС "Әділет" |url=https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/V1400010459 |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=adilet.zan.kz}}</ref>

Interaction at different levels:

It is important to note that the powers to regulate the activities of natural monopolies are distributed between federal and local authorities.  Effective coordination of their actions is necessary to ensure coordinated work and achieve common goals.

As a result, the activities of the regulatory authorities of natural monopolies are aimed at ensuring a balance between the interests of consumers, utility companies and the state.

==== The EBRD ====
2017 was marked by a new round of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the [[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]] (EBRD). The parties signed a three-year agreement with the aim of working together to modernize the country's infrastructure.

As part of this agreement, the EBRD will allocate funds for the implementation of a number of important projects aimed at:
* Improving urban infrastructure: Upgrading water supply, sewerage, heating and other vital facilities will be a priority.
* Optimization of customs procedures: Joint efforts will be made to simplify customs processes, which should lead to stimulating trade and accelerating economic growth.

In addition to these two key areas, the EBRD will continue to support other initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of citizens of Kazakhstan.<ref name=":2" />