Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev reported that due to delays in repairing many thermal power plants, a number of regions may not be able to prepare for the heating season in time.
According to ORDA, at a government meeting the energy minister stated that several power plants in Kazakhstan had not started repairs on time.
"There is non-compliance with the deadlines for starting repairs of main equipment at power plants in the Zhambyl region — Tarazenergocentre JSC CHPP-4, in the Karaganda region — Qarmet JSC CHPP-2, Topar GRES, as well as Pavlodarenergo JSC in the Pavlodar region", said Almasadam Satkaliyev.
At the same time, he noted that the first facility requiring special attention during preparation for the heating season is the CHPP in Ridder. Last winter there, due to cold radiators, residents were forced to wear warm clothes indoors.
"It is necessary to expedite the start of repairs on boiler No. 5 at the Ridder CHPP, which has not yet begun. It is important to complete the replacement of the circulating water pipeline, the repair of turbine No. 4, and the cleaning of the ash dump within the planned timeframes", the minister clarified.
Also, Almasadam Satkaliyev stated that the next facility requiring immediate repair is the Ekibastuz CHPP. In November 2022 and January 2023, due to accidents on heating networks and boiler shutdowns, dozens of homes were left without heating in 35-degree frosts.
Furthermore, the list of problematic facilities includes the CHPP in Timirtau, Zhezkazgan, Kentau and Stepnogorsk, as well as the power plants of MAEC LLP. Their repair deadlines have already been postponed to late summer and early autumn, and there are also delays in the installation of new boilers.
After the report by the head of the Ministry of Energy, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov gave a number of instructions.
"Overall, I note the insufficiently effective work in preparing for the heating period", the Prime Minister stated.
At the same time, the head of government instructed the Ministries of Industry and Energy, as well as regional akimats, to supply fuel to all CHPPs and boiler houses by 1 September.
It was previously reported that 17.6 billion tenge is planned to be allocated for major repairs of heating networks in the North Kazakhstan Region.
In addition, it became known that the government allocated about 16 billion tenge from the reserve for the reconstruction and major repair of heat sources in Kentau, Ridder and Kyzylorda.