OREANDA-NEWS. April 11, 2011. Dmitry Medvedev signed instructions concerning investment programmes in the energy sector, organisation of a natural gas exchange, and antiterrorist protection of fuel and energy sector sites.

The President instructed Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin to put forward proposals aimed at ensuring the implementation by energy companies of the previously approved investment programmes, including their commitment to modernise existing power stations and put new ones into operation; on the transfer of regional energy distribution companies to private investor trust management or privatising them; and on eliminating the need for consumers to pay for mandatory power reserves.

Mr Medvedev also instructed that urgent measures should be taken for the organisation and functioning of a natural gas exchange.

Regional governors (heads of the highest executive State government bodies) are advised to introduce representatives of Russia’s Federal Anti-Monopoly Service into the regional energy commissions, and to take measures ensuring operational control and antiterrorist protection of fuel and energy industry facilities.