Moscow, 8 August. In H1 2003, RAO "UES of Russia" and its subsidiary, ZAO "Inter RAO UES", exported to 9,591.46 million kWh of electricity, an increase of 33.6% compared to the same period last year. The electricity revenues increased 86.7% compared to H1 2002 reaching RUB7,012 million.

The electricity exports to countries outside the former USSR grew 42.5% to 6,111.82 million kWh, whereas the sales revenues increased 2.3 times to RUB5,076 million. Among non-CIS countries, Finland still remains a major importer of Russian electricity. The electricity exports to Finland increased by 47.4% after the third 400-kV transmission line from Vyborgskaya substation in Russia to Kiumi substation in Finland was put into operation. This made it possible to synchronize the first generating unit at Severo-Zapadnaya CHPP with the energy system of Finland and increase the capacity of the cross-border transmission line to 1,400 MW from 1,000 MW. Electricity exports to Mongolia also increased after a new contract was signed to supply electricity to the Central area of Mongolia.

The electricity exports to the former Soviet Union countries increased 20.5% to 3,479.64 million kWh, with sales revenues growing 24.9%. Among the former USSR countries, the Republic of Belarus is a major importer of Russian electricity: it accounts for 35% of the total exports to the CIS countries. Electricity exports to Georgia and Moldova increased significantly.

The key condition for Russian electricity export is full payment for all supplies. A spokesman for RAO "UES of Russia" emphasized that payments for the electricity supplied in H1 2003 under export contracts were made in full compliance with the terms and conditions of the contracts.