FAS: TARIFFS IN THE ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY AND HOUSING SERVICES SHOULD BE SET UNTIL DECEMBER 1

It will enable synchronizing the processes of attracting targeted investments and their operational monitoring

Maxim Shaskolsky, Head of FAS Russia, said at the All-Russian Tariff Conference that the authority continues to improve tariff regulation in various sectors of the economy, balancing the interests of consumers and regulated organizations.

The infrastructure requires modernization and renewal, including through tariff sources. In 2022-2023, a number of regulatory legal acts were adopted that are aimed at attracting investment.

In August 2023, the Government of the Russian Federation approved regulatory agreements in the field of electricity. They allow in the long term to ensure a balance of interests between the investor, for example, a territorial grid organization (TGO), and the region. The document provides for a single formula for indexing tariffs for the entire period of the regulatory agreement. It will ensure the predictability of the tariff amount for all participants in the process.

Maxim Shaskolsky also spoke about proposals to limit the maximum value of unit costs for servicing a unit of power grid equipment for the largest TGO in the region. Before the introduction of the reference principle, it will optimize the costs of less efficient organizations and ensure equal conditions for the regulated activities of natural monopolies within the same region.

Amendments to the legislation have been prepared to attract investments in housing and communal services. Maxim Shaskolsky noted that the processes of approving investment programs, sectoral energy supply schemes and the establishment of indices of citizens' fees for utilities will be synchronized in order to attract the maximum possible investments in housing and communal services infrastructure.

The draft document also proposes to postpone the annual adjustment of the investment program to an earlier date – until June 20. In case of its non-fulfillment, tariffs will also be subject to change from July 1. It will allow for operational control of the implementation of investment program activities, the funds of which were taken into account when setting tariffs.

Maxim Shaskolsky stressed that in order to protect the interests of consumers, FAS Russia conducts inspections of tariffs set by regional tariff regulators.

If violations are detected, the authority issues an order to exclude them. In 2023, 19.5 billion economically unjustified expenses were revealed, of which 10.8 billion have already been excluded.

In order to improve control over the economic validity of tariffs, the authority has developed a document authorizing the regional offices of FAS Russia to inspect tariffs. Previously, this activity was carried out only by the central office of the authority.

In conclusion, Head of FAS Russia said that following the results of the All-Russian Tariff Conference, all proposals for further improvement of tariff regulation will be carefully considered.