Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy Hides Power Plant Tariffs Amid Price Hikes
Electricity prices in Kazakhstan are rising, but the tariff-setting process remains opaque. The 2024 transfer of the digital energy platform from KOREM to CACTEC has stalled, exacerbating corruption risks. Without transparency, consumers face rapidly increasing costs.
Non-Transparent Tariffs
Electricity pricing in Kazakhstan lacks transparency as prices rise faster than official inflation rates. The Ministry of Energy does not disclose tariff structures, investment plans, or the methods behind power plant pricing.
The issue worsened in 2024 when the energy digital platform was transferred from KOREM (Kazakhstan Electricity Market Operator) to CACTEC (Central Asian Center for Electricity Trade). The project has since stalled, leaving consumers without access to essential information about price increases.
Corruption Risks in a Billion-Dollar Market
Kazakhstan’s energy market, worth 2 trillion tenge (approximately $4 billion), is vulnerable to corruption. A mere 10% price increase in power plant tariffs could redirect an additional 200 billion tenge.
Without transparent pricing mechanisms, the scale of potential abuse is significant. Experts argue that public hearings and data transparency are crucial to reduce corruption risks and ensure accountability.
Impact on Consumers
Kazakhstani consumers are already burdened by rising electricity costs, which are expected to continue increasing over the next five years. Without reforms, the financial strain on households and businesses will grow, deepening social discontent.
Proposed Solutions
Experts suggest the following measures to improve transparency:
- Public hearings. Ministry and power plant representatives should explain tariff increases and present investment plans to the public.
- Data publication. Tariff structures and investment programs must be accessible for public review.
- Enhanced digitalization. Reviving the energy platform could provide structured and understandable data for consumers.
Unless these steps are implemented, the tariff-setting process will remain opaque, increasing consumer dissatisfaction and corruption risks.
Do you have news that could become a sensation?
Or do you want to try yourself as an editor?
On altn.news , it's possible!
Share your materials, express your opinion, and test your skills as a journalist or editor.
It’s simple:
✅ Download the app:
✅ Register on the website.
✅ Create and publish your news.
Who knows, maybe your material will become the next big headline!
Start today on altn.news.
The editorial board is not responsible for the content and accuracy of material taken, sent or obtained from other sources. The publication of such materials is for informational purposes only and does not imply automatic endorsement or approval of their content.
