Gas in Saratov: how the regional capital and region are connecting to blue fuel

The construction of gas distribution networks and the connection of new consumers under the additional gasification program is taking place in all districts of the Saratov region. But most of the applications come from residents of Saratov.

The family of Natalya Konovalchik, who lives on Zernovaya Street in Saratov, has long wanted to switch from electricity to gas. Among their neighbors there were several families who were already trying to find out about the possibility of bringing gas into their houses. According to their information, this would cost a tidy sum.

And then in the spring of the year before last it became known about the additional gasification program. And already in July last year, work began on laying the gas pipeline.

“When we saw that the work had begun, we set out to do a project on our site so as not to waste time. Before this we had electric heating. Now there is something to compare with. It was much more expensive. That winter, when we heated ourselves with electricity, we paid about 5 thousand rubles a month. With gas, the maximum payment was 3 thousand. It’s much warmer with gas, plus we felt the difference in hot water. Previously, you had to choose what to spend hot water on. Take a swim or wash the dishes. Now there is plenty of hot water – and we are no longer saving,” Natalya shared her impressions.

The situation was commented on by Roman Zadokhin, First Deputy General Director – Chief Engineer of PJSC Gazprom Gas Distribution Saratov Region: “To date, more than 4.3 thousand contracts for additional gasification have been concluded with residents of the Saratov Region, over 3.2 thousand have been executed – networks have been built to the borders applicants’ land plots. The construction of gas distribution networks and the connection of new consumers is underway in all districts of the region. Most of the applications came from residents of Saratov, Tatishchevsky and Engels districts.”

The family of Elena and Alexey Tsarikov were also convinced that the post-gasification program was working. In February 2021, the family purchased a home in Marks. They immediately began to figure out how to get gas into the house.

“We started collecting documents, it took about a month and a half. At the end of April we were informed that we were in the program, and as soon as the weather permitted, work would begin. After the May holidays, gas workers laid the main pipeline. In July we already had gas in our house. And on August 1 we moved into the house. We were in seventh heaven. Some neighbors said that they had been waiting for gas for 4–7 years, but we got gas connected in just 4 months. The neighbors were shocked. After us, four more houses were connected to the gas main,” says the owner of the household, Alexey.

Gas pipelines are being built in all districts of the Saratov region, and the connection of new consumers is also actively underway. Citizens who have a private house and land plot registered, and the house is located in a gasified locality, can participate in the post-gasification program.

Yulia’s family from the Yubileiny microdistrict in Saratov learned about the program in December 2021: they heard an advertisement on television. At that time, the owner recalls, their house was heated with electricity. Very soon, after Yulia submitted an application for gas supply on the State Services portal, she was invited to the single client center of Saratovgaz JSC to sign an agreement. And already in September 2022, they were connected to gas. The owners immediately began to use a gas boiler as the cold weather set in.

“Gas is more convenient and cheaper than electricity. We installed a “smart” boiler, where you can turn on different modes. The workers brought the gas pipe approximately 25–30 meters before the site. It took the gas workers two days to do this, and then they waited for us to carry out the necessary preparatory work on the site and hang the boiler. The savings and advantages of gas over electricity for household needs are very noticeable,” says Yulia.

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