Electricity Costs in Almaty: Detailing Consumers and Their Expenses
In a bid to modernize the energy sector, Kazakhstan has introduced higher electricity tariffs, effective from August 1, 2025. These changes are part of a broader trend of annual utility tariff increases of 20-30% expected from 2026 onward [1][2].
The new tariffs vary among multiple energy producers. For instance, LUKOIL-Ecoenergo's tariff increased to 44.02 tenge per kWh, while Aktyube Thermal Power Station saw a smaller rise to 18.19 tenge/kWh [2]. This differentiated tariff system is a result of the government's efforts to invest substantially in infrastructure, with Kazakhstan planning to attract about US$24 billion over several years to repair and expand utility networks and generate new capacity [4].
The effects of these changes on residents are significant. Monthly utility bills for one-room apartments are projected to rise by approximately 3,500 tenge, with larger apartments seeing increases of 5,000-7,000 tenge per month [1]. By next year, the average monthly bill for a one-room apartment could reach approximately 28,000-30,000 tenge, up from the current 25,000 tenge [1].
To help offset these increases, the government has housing assistance programs in place to support low-income families and pensioners [1].
It is important to note that the government has made a separate promise to control prices on certain types of goods in neighbourhood stores. However, this promise applies specifically to goods in neighbourhood stores and does not seem to be related to the new tariffs or the differentiated system for apartment and house consumption [3].
Residents of Almaty and the surrounding region can find more details about both the tariff changes and the price control promise [here]. The base tariff, including VAT, is 35.67 tenge per kWh [5]. The service cost has also increased by 15%, but it is not associated with the base tariff or the promise to control prices [6].
These changes reflect a significant shift in Kazakhstan’s energy pricing policy, aimed at sustainability and modernization, while acknowledging the socioeconomic impact on consumers.
- The government's attempted modernization of the energy sector, as evidenced by the increased electricity tariffs, has cornered the finance industry, with utility bills for residents projected to rise, necessitating housing assistance programs for low-income families and pensioners.
- The energy sector's transformation, emphasized by the differential tariff system set to attract US$24 billion in investments, intertwines with the finance sector, as the anticipated surge in monthly utility bills could potentially influence the economic growth and stability of Kazakhstan.
