According to Berdikeev, private distribution companies have always been at risk of nationalization. He specified that out of 28 such companies, only 12 remain, all of which are domestic investors that have built their networks. Meanwhile, the level of electricity losses in private companies is 4-5%, while in NESK this figure reaches 18%.
Berdikeev explained that the distribution companies were created during a period of active construction when BPEs did not have enough funds and capabilities to connect new facilities to the electrical networks.
"Private companies invested their own funds in construction, and now they are being forced to give up this property. Last year, we were pressured to accept imports, but we proved their absence. Now, under another pretext, they want to carry out a so-called buyout. Every industry, especially one as important as energy, should develop in a competitive environment, not a monopoly," Berdikeev noted.
He also added that if they refuse to sell, the companies may have their domestic electricity supplies cut off. In that case, they will only be able to distribute imported electricity. Since imports are subsidized by the government, private companies will find themselves in an unfavorable position and may go bankrupt.
Berdikeev urged the president to pay attention to the situation, noting that such actions could undermine investor confidence.
"If the project is taken under the pretext of a buyout and this information reaches investors and entrepreneurs, who guarantees that tomorrow other small hydropower plants won’t be taken away? All of this is happening at the initiative of our minister. I hope the president is aware of the situation and will take the right measures," he concluded.
