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Residents of the Atyrau region can look forward to more affordable utility bills, as official tariffs for essential housing and communal services have been officially lowered. This positive development comes as a direct result of a government directive aimed at curbing price increases.

Tariff Reduction Explained

The decrease in utility costs was announced by Zhanar Daribayeva, acting head of the regional department for regulating housing and communal services tariffs. She explained that the reduction aligns with the Prime Minister's instruction to impose a moratorium on rising utility prices.

How Much Will Bills Decrease?

While specific percentage decreases for each service were not detailed in the announcement, the department confirmed that tariffs have been adjusted downwards. This adjustment was made after the department reviewed 22 applications from monopolistic service providers and regulated the activities of 40 natural monopoly entities within the region.

Long-Term Strategy for Affordable Utilities

Daribayeva emphasized that the calculation of utility costs considers various factors, including energy carrier prices, taxes, and the condition of existing infrastructure. The department is committed to a long-term strategy that balances infrastructure upgrades with the need to prevent sharp price hikes for consumers.

'Tariff in Exchange for Investment' Program

The department also reminded residents about the ongoing 'Tariff in Exchange for Investment' program, active since 2023. This initiative ensures that even with temporary tariff reductions, companies remain committed to investing in infrastructure modernization and preventing network failures. Funds for these upgrades are incorporated into the companies' investment obligations.

The national moratorium on utility price increases is set to expire on March 31. However, the newly approved lower rates in Atyrau are expected to provide immediate financial relief to households in the region.

This news was reported by Infohub.kz.