Forum on National Project MECS Held in Astana

On October 14, 2026, a sectoral forum titled "National Project MECS and the Development of the Electric Power Industry: Opportunities for Kazakh Business" took place in Astana. The forum addressed issues related to the modernization of energy and utility infrastructure, attracting investments, and increasing the involvement of Kazakhstani manufacturers.

The event was attended by representatives from government bodies, financial institutions, natural monopoly entities, contracting organizations, and domestic enterprises.

During the plenary session, Timur Kosymbayev, Chairman of the Committee for the Regulation of Natural Monopolies under the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented the key outcomes of the National Project for "Modernization of the Energy and Utility Sectors" (MECS) and outlined priority tasks for the upcoming period.

The Committee Chairman emphasized that the National Project had transitioned from the stage of preparing mechanisms to widespread practical implementation. A regulatory framework has been established, and the MECS electronic platform has been launched, ensuring transparency in processes from application submission to procurement.

"The first year has already shown tangible results. In 2025, 547 billion tenge in investments were attracted and 6,659 kilometers of networks were modernized. Forty monopoly companies received funding, and eight of them have already exited the 'red zone,' where wear levels exceeded 70%," noted Timur Kosymbayev.

In 2026, funding of 1.2 trillion tenge is planned, with approximately 12,000 kilometers of networks set to be modernized.

Special attention during his speech was given to the quality of work and adherence to project timelines. The Committee Chairman stressed the need for enhanced technical supervision and contractor accountability.

"We are building networks for decades to come, so the quality requirements will only increase. We expect contractors to work strictly according to schedule and at a high level of quality. It is crucial for monopoly companies to ensure technical supervision at every site without exception and to accept work only with its conclusion," the Committee head stated.

One of the key issues addressed at the forum was the preparation of projects for 2027. For the upcoming year, 1.8 trillion tenge is allocated for the modernization of energy and utility infrastructure. Special attention will be given to the timely preparation of project documentation, ensuring financing, and concluding contracts with contracting organizations before the start of the construction season.

The forum also discussed expanding the participation of Kazakhstani enterprises in the implementation of the National Project. Six agreements were signed, aimed at developing production cooperation, localizing production, and promoting domestic products. These agreements cover the production of pipe products, electrical equipment, and components needed for modernizing engineering networks.

As the coordinator of the National Project, the Committee will continue to monitor the progress of work, conduct field inspections, and interact with project participants to ensure timely modernization of infrastructure, reduce wear levels of engineering networks, and enhance the reliability of utility services.

reported by Housing and Utilities 24 citing the website of the Committee for the Regulation of Natural Monopolies of MNE RK.

Photo: gov.kz