9 Nov 2009 19:50

Low energy prices could cushion damages from Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP stoppage

MOSCOW. Nov 9 (Interfax) - Low prices on the energy market ought to cushion the losses that hydrogenerating company RusHydro faces while the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric dam, which was severely damaged in an accident in August, is out of action, Vasily Zubakin, RusHydro's acting chief, told a press conference.

Zubakin confirmed reports that the damages would amount to less than 16.5 billion rubles between now and 2012, but he did not say how much less.

The disaster at the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydro-power plant in Siberia on August 17 killed 75 people and damaged or destroyed nine of the plant's ten generators.

Zubakin said the No's 6. 5 and 4 generators should be operating at full capacity in 2010 and the No. 3 generator should be restarted in 2011. New generators will start to be delivered and installed in 2011.

RusHydro has estimated the plant's stoppage could cost it 6 billion rubles in 2009, up to 8 billion rubles in 2010, approximately 2 billion rubles in 2011 and 500 million rubles in 2012.