OREANDA-NEWS. June 29, 2007.  OJSC Chelyabinskgorgaz (subsidiary of LLC GAZEKS-Management, IES-Holding) held on 27 June a press conference on Chelyabinsk Gas Supplies System Development Issues and Prospects; the event was attended by OJSC Chelyabinskgorgaz Director Andrei Lekanov, Deputy Director Andrei Malkov and Chief Engineer Valentin Vasnev.

There have been no major accidents in the gas systems resulting in long-term customers' cutoff in the past ten years, reported the participants in the conference. But uninterrupted and safe gas supplies for the regional center become more and more difficult year after year since deterioration of the gas networks has already exceeded 60%, and the state tariffication policies prevent required full-scale capital repairs of the gas pipelines and facilities.

Gasification of Chelyabinsk started in the 1960's, when the gas supplies system, now physically and morally outdated, was designed. It is now used actually at its 100% capacity, which currently makes it impossible to increase gas transportation volumes necessary for further social and economic development of Chelyabinsk. According to Chelyabinskgorgaz Director Andrei Lekanov, improved gas supplies for the city require consolidation of actions of major businesses, authorities and gas suppliers.

Participants in the press conference focused on the need to change the existing tariffication model that prevents full-scale capital repairs of the gas pipelines already deteriorated at over 62%; with the system in place it is also impossible to ensure proper maintenance of the so-called ownerless networks. Chelyabinskgorgaz is prepared to offer efficient mechanisms for increasing reliability and safety of the gas consumption system and attracting investments in Chelyabinsk gasification program.