Moscow Region

On January 27, at 6:00 pm power consumption in AO MOSENERGO’s system peaked at 14 727 MWt, reaching a record-high level in the history of the company. In order to meet the demand, AO MOSENERGO had to buy 1 750 MWt in the wholesale electricity market.

This peak value exceeds last year’s figure by 881 MWt or almost 6.5%. Thus, in January 2005, consumption exceeded available capacity of regional power stations (14 213 MWt). Till now peak consumption at AO MOSENERGO stood at 14 230 MWt (registered on December 2004).

If weather conditions in Moscow and Moscow region remain cold, the consumption record is likely to be exceeded one more time. According to the Moscow Regional Dispatch, the possibility of exceeding the current consumption peak will likely exist until mid-February.

The increase in power consumption was partly caused by lower air temperature in Moscow region. However, cold weather was not the only reason for the record-high consumption. The average annual increase in power consumption in the Moscow region is around 5%. Today, AO MOSENERGO has almost no capacity reserves. However, the existing tariffs do not allow the company to construct new capacities proportionally to consumption growth.

In 2004, AO MOSENERGO prepared for the winter season which made it possible to ensure stable power supply in this period. There has not been a major power failure in recent months. However, today AO MOSENERGO operates near the limit of its capacity and needs additional financial resources to develop its generating assets.