Public Awareness Campaign on Installation of Individual Water Meters Conducted in Shymkent

Efforts have been made to provide clarity regarding the installation of individual water meters due to various inquiries from residents concerning their installation and operation. Here's what you need to know:

Kazakhstan is implementing state policies aimed at the modernization and digitalization of the energy and utility sectors. Under the National Project for the 'Modernization of Energy and Utility Sectors,' there is a phased transition planned towards modern systems of accounting for utility resources. In the water supply sector, the goal is set to have 100% metering points equipped with remote data transmission devices by 2029.

There is also a plan to develop a unified digital system for utility resource accounting called Smart Turmys. This shift to meters with automatic data transmission capability is, therefore, part of the state program for modernization of the utility sector, rather than an initiative by individual water supply companies.

According to the order of the Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 3, 2026, No. 77, changes and additions to the Rules for the Selection, Installation, and Operation of Water Metering Devices and Systems in Water Supply and Sewerage Systems of Settlements came into effect on March 27, 2026, as established by the order of August 8, 2025, No. 295.

Under these requirements, during initial installation or replacement of a metering device, equipment that meets established technical requirements and provides for automatic data transmission must be used. This is necessary for the subsequent integration of devices into the digital accounting system and the transition from manual reading transmission to automated data exchange.

As part of the National Project, LLP 'Water Resources - Marketing' has prepared a project for installing 150 smart meters with remote data transmission. Four authorized bodies have already approved the project, and preparations are underway for competitive procedures.

The next step is to conduct the competition and select the contractor who will implement the project. If a source of borrowed funds is identified for project financing, and upon completion of competitive procedures, the project is planned to be implemented in stages from 2027 to 2029.

It's important to note the following: if metering devices are installed under the National Project, the costs for their acquisition and installation will need to be included in tariff estimates. Additionally, under the current legislation on natural monopolies, the supplier is required to install metering devices, and the consumer is obliged to reimburse the costs for their acquisition and installation. Consequently, relevant adjustments to regulatory legal acts are necessary, and this issue is currently being reviewed by the relevant ministries.

Therefore, rumors that apartment meters are currently being installed for free under this project are inaccurate. Further details about the next phases of the project, the conditions for meter installation, and the implementation timeline will be announced at a later time after the appropriate decisions are made.

Reported by ЖКХ24 with reference to the website of the Department of Energy and Infrastructure Development of Shymkent City.

Photo: gov.kz