According to Christina Ozgan, a high degree of the power grid complex deterioration and increased loads lead to power failures and emergencies, significant losses of electricity. Lack of control over electricity consumption and restrictive financial resources do not allow ensuring the proper operation of the infrastructure. The energy complex needs significant financial support.

“It is not possible to stabilize the situation in the industry despite the measures taken in the period  from 2011 to 2020 and the repair of power system facilities in the amount of 1.5 billion rubles. The government of the republic has to solve a number of problems in the near future, ” Ozgan noted in her speech.

Among the identified problems is the implementation of a set of measures aimed at reducing the level of risks of emergencies related to the exit from the stand of the power system of the republic and frequent accidents.

“It is important to note here the need to increase capacity in regions with increased load. First of all, these are Sukhum and Gagra region. Such proposals were formulated following the results of the work of Russian energy specialists in August - September 2020. The total cost of the work is 4.7 billion rubles," Minister of Economy clarified.

The second significant issue is improving the control and metering of electricity consumption by all categories of consumers through introduction of an automated system of metering devices.

“Such work was carried out in 2011-2014, about 18 thousand metering devices were installed during this period. This approach is absolutely justified, as evidenced by the statistics of a decrease in consumption of the corresponding subscribers and an increase collection level. Therefore, it is necessary to make prompt decisions on the implementation of such an accounting system, and first of all in Sukhum, ” Ozgan said.

According to experts, the introduction of an automated consumption metering system will free up about 25-30% of electricity and increase the level of collection of payments for consumed electricity. The implementation of this program requires more than 1 billion rubles.

Further Ozgan noted the need to approve an urgent action plan for modernizing the electric power infrastructure.

“The program for modernization and reconstruction was developed in 2016 with the implementation period in 2017-2021, but due to the lack of funding sources it was not implemented. An insignificant part of the objects from this program was included in the Investment program and is being implemented at the present time. This is the repair of some substations and distribution networks, ” Minister stressed.

Ozgan considers tariff policy to be one of the main problems in the energy sector, in addition to the technical one.

“This is a very painful topic for our society. The state system of the country rejected this issue every time it appeared, fearing political destabilization. We cannot deny the obvious. This is the wrong and ineffective way of dealing with issues. If everyone in due time would have heard the power engineers, then perhaps the situation in the industry would have been different, ” said Deputy Prime Minister.

She stressed that today the task is to develop a concept of the state tariff policy in the energy sector.

“We do not have the ability to service and maintain the energy system, when we cannot even pay the cost of a kilowatt,” Ozgan emphasized.

The corresponding proposals to the government from RUE "Chernomorenergo" have already been received. And Minister expressed hope for interaction with the Parliament deputies on this issue.