Members of the Majilis approved a new law in Kazakhstan aimed at regulating the heat energy sector, ensuring its reliable functioning. The law introduces administrative responsibility for violations in the field of heat energy and energy efficiency. The Minister of Energy, Almasadam Satkaliev, presented the draft law, emphasizing the need for economic and legal frameworks to regulate the sector. The absence of a specific law on heat energy in Kazakhstan has led to gaps in legislation and various issues in the industry, such as lack of strategic goals and development plans. With technical support from international experts, the Asian Development Bank, the law aims to address these issues.
The proposed law redistributes responsibilities for heat energy policy, with the Ministry of Energy being tasked with heat energy transportation, currently overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development. The draft also transfers control functions in heat networks to the Committee of Atomic and Energy Supervision and Control. It introduces a new tool for heat energy development planning, aligning it with territorial development plans, housing construction, population dynamics, and industrial growth. The law also enhances accountability for violations in the heat energy sector, monitors the industry, defines tariff principles, and promotes the use of renewable energy sources in centralized heating systems.
Furthermore, the legislation strengthens the Committee of Atomic and Energy Supervision and Control, emphasizing the importance of regulatory oversight in critical sectors. The law introduces state price regulation to balance the interests of heat supply entities and consumers, along with measures to promote energy efficiency in production, transportation, and consumption of heat energy. The amendments also impact the Entrepreneurial Code and other energy-related laws, aiming to enhance regulatory mechanisms and market operations.
The new law imposes administrative responsibility for various violations in the heat energy and energy efficiency sector, including providing inaccurate information, unauthorized connections to heat networks, fuel supply discrepancies, and delays in readiness certification for energy facilities. The amendments transfer administrative responsibility functions from local executive bodies to the authorized body for heat energy control. The law signifies a significant step towards improving the energy sector in Kazakhstan, ensuring sustainable development and efficient energy management.
