Today, the Committee for Regulation of Natural Monopolies under the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan conducted its regular monthly public meeting online.

During the meeting, representatives from the Committee's sectoral departments provided insights into ongoing operations in the areas of electricity, heat energy, gas supply, and railway transport. They also addressed questions related to tariff and price formation, implementation of investment programs, and consumer protection.

Particular attention was given to preparing the heat supply sector for the heating season, modernizing outdated infrastructure, and ensuring that expenditures by natural monopoly entities are justified. If misuse of funds or non-compliance with approved activities is identified, regulatory measures, including temporary compensatory tariffs, are applied as stipulated by law.

In the electricity sector, participants were explained the process of forming the final price for electrical energy. It was highlighted that price change discussions are held openly with the participation of citizens, public associations, media, and other stakeholders. The Committee is working to prevent unjustified price increases.

Price formation for commercial gas was also discussed. Committee representatives explained that the retail price comprises the wholesale price, transportation tariff, and gas distribution costs. All these components are regulated by the state, with special social support measures available for vulnerable consumer groups.

In the railway sector, participants received information on tariff decisions, market entity applications under review, and efforts to improve tariff methodology for mainline railway services.

The aim of holding public meetings is to increase the transparency of tariff regulation, clarify decisions being made, and ensure direct feedback from consumers.

Reported by ЖКХ24 citing the website of the Natural Monopolies Regulation Committee of the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Photo: gov.kz

In Almaty, the award ceremony for the city's 'Best Green Preschool' and 'Best Green College' competitions took place, organized as part of the national environmental initiative 'Taza Kazakhstan' by the President.

The competitions were organized by the Department of Education of Almaty. These initiatives aim to develop ecological awareness in educational institutions, foster responsible environmental attitudes among children and youth, and support practical greening and environmental education initiatives.

The 'Best Green Preschool' contest featured participation from preschools across Almaty. At the district level, participants presented their projects, with the best selected for the citywide competition. Judging criteria included the level of greening on the premises, the implementation of ecological projects involving the pupils, and the practical focus of the initiatives presented.

The competition results are as follows:

• 1st place — Nursery School No. 31, Alatau District;
• 2nd place — Nursery School No. 186, Auezov District;
• 3rd place — Nursery School No. 125, Medeu District.

According to Natalia Karaseva, head of the Early Childhood Resource Center, this was the first time the 'Best Green Preschool' competition was held in Almaty, providing a platform for exchanging practical experiences in environmental education.

"There were many criteria, including the landscape design of the preschools and environmental education projects with children," noted Natalia Karaseva.

One of the winners, Nursery School No. 31, implements its own "Green Preschool" program. Both the children and their parents participate in ecological initiatives. Within the program, children are introduced to the basics of waste separation, learn to use water and energy efficiently, tend to plants, and grow vegetables in greenhouses.

"From the start, children work on projects related to ecology and environmental protection. They learn to sort waste, and items that can be repurposed are used in special workshops," explained Aynur Bakhtieva, the head of Nursery School No. 31.

The practical side of environmental education includes using a drip irrigation system for gardens and greenhouses. Organic waste is converted into organic fertilizer. Solar panels have also been installed on the preschool grounds for lighting.

For the first time in Almaty, the city also held the 'Best Green College' competition, bringing together technical institutes and colleges. The results of the competition are:

• 1st place — Almaty Kazakh Humanitarian Pedagogical College No. 1;
• 2nd place — Almaty Construction and Technical College;
• 3rd place — Almaty College of Telecommunications and Mechanical Engineering.

At Almaty Kazakh Humanitarian Pedagogical College No. 1, projects such as 'EcoCampus', 'Green Space', and 'Ecological Culture' were implemented as part of the competition. Students and teachers participated in greening the area, planting trees, and creating a 'Teachers' Alley'. Alumni also joined the environmental initiatives.

Winners and runners-up of both competitions received diplomas from the Almaty Department of Education.

Reported by ZHKH24, citing the website of the Almaty Akimat.

Photo: gov.kz