Kyrgyzstan has transferred the Osh Thermal Power Plant to city control for better management. Similar moves are underway for plants in Bishkek and Osh, with financial support in place.
Cabinet Decision on Osh Thermal Power Plant
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has officially decided to transfer ownership of the Osh Thermal Power Plant from JSC “Electric Stations” to municipal authorities. This decision was formalized on June 27, when the Kyrgyz Parliament approved the bill in its third reading. The move is intended to enhance the management and efficiency of heat supply services in Osh city.
Details of the Transfer
Under the new resolution, JSC “Electric Stations” is required to transfer the property and assets of the Osh Thermal Power Plant to the State Agency for State Property Management. This agency will then pass on these assets to the Osh City Hall. The transfer is expected to streamline the operations of the thermal power plant and allow the city’s administration to have direct control over the facility.
Purpose of the Transfer
The primary goal of this transfer is to improve the local management of heat supply services. By bringing the Osh Thermal Power Plant under municipal control, the city administration will be better positioned to address issues related to energy supply and infrastructure. This change is anticipated to result in more efficient operation and quicker response to any service disruptions.
Financial Support and Regulation
The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to ensure that Osh City Hall receives targeted financial transfers by 2028. These funds are crucial for covering the costs associated with running the newly established municipal heat supply enterprise, which will be based on the transferred assets. This financial support is necessary because the government regulates the tariffs for thermal energy, which impacts the revenue that the municipal enterprise can generate from residents.
Legislative Changes for Bishkek and Osh
In addition to the Osh Thermal Power Plant, similar legislative amendments are affecting combined heat and power plants in Bishkek and Osh. The Kyrgyz Parliament has approved the transfer of these facilities to the respective city mayor’s offices. This decision, made during the first reading of amendments to the law on local state administration and local self-government bodies, aims to enhance local oversight and improve the management of energy resources.
Impact on Bishkek’s Heat and Power Plant
The situation in Bishkek involves a significant investment in its combined heat and power plant. The city has obtained a $380 million loan for upgrading the plant, which will be repaid using the public budget. This substantial loan reflects the high level of investment required for modernizing the facility. Cabinet Chairman Japarov has recently conducted an inspection of the Bishkek plant to ensure its readiness for the upcoming cold season. This inspection highlights the importance of preparing the facility to meet the city’s heating needs during the winter months.
Conclusion The transfer of the Osh Thermal Power Plant and other key energy facilities to municipal ownership represents a major shift in the management of energy resources in Kyrgyzstan. By placing these facilities under the control of local authorities, the government aims to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of heat supply services. These changes are expected to enhance the overall management of energy resources in both Osh and Bishkek, ensuring that residents receive reliable and effective services.
The transfer process, financial support measures, and legislative amendments underscore the government’s commitment to improving local infrastructure and service delivery. As Kyrgyzstan moves forward with these changes, it is hoped that the management of its energy resources will become more efficient and better suited to the needs of its cities.
Author: Sana Mubashar
Sana Mubashar is a seasoned content writer and blogger with over 5 years of global experience. She has been actively serving clients worldwide through platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Her expertise lies in various areas including website landing page development, copywriting, blog post writing, affiliate writing, product reviews, press releases, and other types of writing. Sana excels in crafting unique content and implementing effective strategies to enhance online presence and engage target audiences.