12 Feb 2010 15:45

Russian govt could make decree on long-term capacity market on Apr 1 - Shishkin

MOSCOW. Feb 12 (Interfax) - Russia's government plans to make a decree on the long-term capacity market on April 1 2010, Deputy Energy Minister Andrei Shishkin told journalists on Friday.

"We plan to introduce the project soon. The decree is slated for April 1," he said.

He added that following the decree's signing, the government would start developing agreements for the supply of capacity.

Commenting on the ministry's plans in 2010, Shishkin said that it plans to confirm technical regulations, as well as review normative technical documents on the electricity system.

"In addition, in the nearest future, it will be necessary to solve the issue of synchronizing payment for power resources (on the wholesale market) and utilities services (debt for energy sales)," he said.

Shishkin said that in order to ensure payment discipline in 2010, changes to the Russian Criminal Code are necessary, as well as the Code on Administrative Violations, would be necessary.

In addition, the ministry plans to take advantage of state investment guarantees.