The fuel collapse in the Moscow region risks increasing prices for housing and communal services

The state will be responsible for the irresponsible actions of private investors

The Klimovsky specialized cartridge plant, which includes an emergency boiler house, the failure of which left 170 houses without heating in Podolsk near Moscow, is being nationalized. Sergei SUVEROV, investment strategist of Arikapital Management Company, associate professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, spoke about the economic and financial problems that may arise in this critical situation.

“The idea of ​​nationalizing even small strategic energy facilities looks quite sensible – such actions by the state will support the vertical of economic power and strengthen the position of the federal government in the country’s industry market. Nevertheless, the assets subjected to nationalization must receive an objective financial assessment by independent specialists who will be able to sort out the investment base of each boiler house “on the shelves”: when and how much money was invested in this facility and how adequate and useful the cash tranches turned out to be – it is quite possible that the investment were registered only on paper, and private entrepreneurs preferred to direct the declared turnover to other, their own needs.

It is worth noting that the population of Podolsk over the past 30 years, taking into account the annexed settlements, has grown from 200 thousand to 320 thousand people. The largest cities in the Moscow region are already larger in size and population than many regional centers of Russia. The influx of population to Moscow and the Moscow region does not pass without a trace. It is obvious that built-up neighborhoods and new areas cannot be provided with high-quality housing and communal services from a technical point of view.

The collapses with electricity in Khimki, Balashikha, Mytishchi and Podolsk indicate accumulated problems in this area. By nationalizing such facilities, the state assumes responsibility for the rational use of regional energy structures. Such a policy should inspire confidence among ordinary people. Unlike private businessmen, inspection of municipal facilities will be controlled by existing municipal and regional industry enterprises. However, there is also the other side of the coin: additional inspections may lead to increased payments for housing and communal services – it is possible that local utilities will impose additional fees for the operation of existing fuel units.”