OREANDA-NEWS. November 20, 2014. "Great work on reform and modernization of all economic sectors is being conducted at the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan. Special attention is paid to innovation, energy-efficient and resource-saving technologies," Kazakh Vice Minister of national economy Kairbek Uskenbayev said at the opening of the International Forum "Public Utility EXPO 2014".

"Public Utility sector consumes more than 40% of the thermal energy produced in the country and about 22% - electrical. Therefore, Kazakhstan focuses on energy efficiency in the Programme implementation of the Public Utility modernization," Vice Minister said.

"In comparison with the previous heating season apartment owners have begun to pay less for heat by 30-50% and for hot water supply by 18-20% this year," Kairbek Uskenbayev gave statistical data.

Scientific and Technical Center of Public Utility Development started work in Astana last year, which experts are engaged in applied research, including the questions on energy efficiency. In addition, JSC "Public Utility Development Fund" is actively working to increase the investment attractiveness of Public Utility sector. There are 8 billion tenge in Public Utility Fund provided for installation of communal heat meters in apartment house.

Construction of similar centers in Almaty and Aktobe is finishing. Exhibitions and showrooms are planned on the basis of these centers for the training courses of personnel on energy efficiency, research and development centers.

In the framework of the forum the VII International Exhibition "Public Utility Expo 2014" and the IV International Conference "Energy Efficient Public Utility and innovative construction industry of Kazakhstan" are being held.

The forum has been attended by more than 100 companies and organizations this year.