On April 30, 2002, AO MOSENERGO held a press conference on the results of the 2001-2002 heating season. Aleksandr Mityaev, deputy general director for grids and prospective development, Vadim Zinakov, deputy chief engineer for electric equipment; Dmitry Barshak, deputy chief engineer for heating equipment, Vitaly Kuzmin, deputy general director for sales and customer relations, and Vladislav Nazin, deputy general director for economic matters all attended the media packed meeting.

As a result of proper preparation for the 2001-2002 autumn and winter season, AO MOSENERGO heating branches successfully provided fuel to meet the needs of the Moscow region customers during the last heating season. The equipment of electric stations and heating grids was completely prepared for the autumn and winter seasons. Fuel stocks exceeded Moscow Government set targets and RAO UES requirements. Mild weather also contributed to smooth operations last winter.

The peak load during the autumn-winter season occurred on December 19, 2001, reaching 13,670 MWt. The load on heating stations reached 12,421 MWt. The deficit of electric capacity amounted to 1,249 MWt.

During the last heating season there were no major breakdowns in electricity and heat supply for Moscow region’s customers. The number of technical breaches in the power supply system decreased by 9.7% against the 2000-2001 heating season.

During the preparation for the next heating season, AO MOSENERGO’s priority is to accumulate the required fuel stocks. According to Vladislav Nazin, funds for creating required fuel stocks will be allocated in full, despite cuts in funding for capital construction and repairs in 2002 due to deficient level of tariffs set by Moscow and Moscow region’s energy authorities (RECs).

AO MOSENERGO’s preparation plans for the 2002 heating season provides for the repair of 70-100 km of the pipeline grids including the laying of 12.5 km of pipes insulated with polyurethane foam. The company has approved the program for plant and equipment repairs. According to the program, the company will have to repair 14 power units, 24 boilers, 23 turbine generators, 2 hydro turbines and 20 water boilers. The company plans to commission two pumping stations (Khapilovskaya and Yuzhno-Izmailovskaya). In addition, according to the plan that was approved jointly with the Moscow region’s governor, AO MOSENERGO will replace 600 km of 0,4/6-10 kV electric power lines (last year under this program the company built 700 km of new lines).

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dmitry Barshak stressed that AO MOSENERGO will do everything possible to ensure the reliable and uninterrupted heating for the Moscow region’s next heating season within the funds budgeted for capital construction and repairs.