Proposal would partially privative state-owned utilities

On Thursday, Parliament discussed an amendment to the energy law passed in 2001. Members approved further discussion. If passed, the amendment would allow private investment in the energy sector.

Currently the state spends about MNT 15 billion annually to subsidize the energy sector. The amendment would convert the sector into a market-based system and end the state subsidies altogether from 2014.

MPs approved expanding the number of members of the Energy Committee to Energy Council from three to five. Three members will be appointed by the Government and two will come from representatives of producers and consumers.

MPs asked about construction of power plants in Oyutolgoi and Tavantolgoi. According to information from Mineral Resources and Energy Minister D.Zorigt, Mongolian specialists are preparing the technical and economic aspects of the Oyutolgoi plant with assistance from the German firm Siemens, and electricity transmission lines to Umnugobi aimag are half finished.

G.Bayarsaikhan reminded MPs that some khoroos of the Chingeltei district of Ulaanbaatar still do not have electricity and said electric rates should not be dependent on politics. He opposed the amendment.

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