Agency for Regulation of Natural Monopolies suggests holding public hearings on utility rates changes
ASTANA. June 24. KAZINFORM Kazakh Agency for Regulation of Natural Monopolies proposes to introduce the practice of holding public hearings for market leaders when the utility rates change, head of the agency Murat Ospanov stated at a meeting of the Government, primeminister.kz reported.
According to him, this measure will ensure full transparency in tariff setting.
The practice of public hearings already exists in relation to monopolists; they permanently hold public hearings and present mandatory annual reports.
As Ospanov noted, the announcement of the public hearings and reports on the changes in tariffs will be placed on television and newspapers. At the same time, he noted that consumer awareness about changes in tariffs should provide universal coverage: on television, in newspapers, bills, and in public places.
In addition, 10 days prior to the hearings or reports a local newspaper should publish abstracts, revealing the issues to be discussed, including the reasons for changes in tariffs, the performance of monopolies and other relevant information.