Amendments To The Rules For The Activities Of Natural Monopolies In Kazakhstan.
On 30 September, 2024, an order was issued by the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy to amend the Rules for the Activities of Natural Monopoly Entities.
Now, the following procedures are subject to regulation:
- inclusion in and exclusion from the State Register of natural monopoly entities;
- conducting public hearings;
- issuing consent for certain actions by a natural monopoly entity, as well as accepting notifications from a natural monopoly entity regarding activities not related to regulated services, in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Permits and Notifications“;
- conducting procurements by natural monopoly entities.
A registry is maintained for dishonest procurement participants, against whom there is a court decision confirming the failure to fulfil obligations towards a natural monopoly entity.
The activities of natural monopoly entities must be posted on their own websites.
To conduct technical expertise of investment programs and evaluate the quality of regulated services, experts with higher education in the fields of thermal energy, energy, water supply, oil and gas are involved, as well as those with at least 3 years of experience in these areas. Specialists with diplomas in the corresponding fields and at least 3 years of experience in developing investment programs are also required. Additionally, a certified auditor with experience in the specified areas is needed.
Applications for technical conditions to connect to networks or increase the volume of regulated services, as well as the responses to them (except for those from architectural authorities), are accepted and processed by the State Corporation through the ‘electronic government’ portal, the office of the natural monopoly entity, or the information system of the authorised body.
Mandatory provisions have been introduced for contracts related to the transfer or trust management of assets.
