The General Director of Rosseti PJSC, Oleg Budargin, and Acting Head of the Republic of Komi, Sergei Gaplikov, held a working meeting. Talks touched on issues related to the development of the energy system of the Republic of Komi, and the possibility of attracting added investments into the energy sector for the implementation of projects involving modernization of the region’s grid infrastructure. Sergei Gaplikov and Oleg Budargin discussed the progress made thus far in implementing the cooperation agreement signed in June 2016 at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The agreement’s roadmap encompasses joint measures to ensure reliable power supply and consolidate the power-grid complex of the Republic of Komi within the framework of the creation of a unified regional distribution grid company.

The parties also discussed additional measures to ensure the reliable power supply of the Town of Vorkuta in the fall-winter season, with particular focus on the smooth operation of socially-vital infrastructure.

Furthermore, Oleg Budargin and Sergei Gaplikov agreed to pursue the joint formulation and presentation at a separate investment forum in March 2017 of a new arrangement for development of the Republic of Komi’s grid complex. The program is expected to envision both in reductions in the cost and time entailed in connection to the grid, as well as the involvement of new investors in the respective projects. Implementation of the program will make it possible to improve the stability of the Vorkuta energy node, give consumers access to uninterrupted, reliable power supply, and provide new opportunities for the implementation of promising projects – both in the Republic of Komi itself, as well as in neighboring regions of the Arctic zone.

Moreover, Sergei Gaplikov and Oleg Budargin also agreed to hammer out a project for electrification of the main spur of the Northern Railway running through the republic.