Belarusian parliamentarians have ratified a treaty between the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation on the formation of a unified electricity market in the Union State, BelTA has learned.
The draft law was developed to implement the domestic procedures necessary for Belarus to formally express its consent to be bound by the treaty. It also designates the Energy Ministry and the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade as the authorized bodies for managing and ensuring the functioning of this unified electricity market.
According to Anton Karankevich, a member of the House of Representatives’ Standing Commission on Industry, Energy, Transport, Communications and Digital Development, the treaty is designed to level the playing field between Russia and Belarus. He noted that the ultimate goal is to enable consumers to choose their suppliers in the future.
“We currently have a unified energy market, and the second stage is a unified gas market, since the cost of electricity depends primarily on the price of gas. Currently, the majority of electricity is generated using gas, with our nuclear power plant now accounting for 40% of that,” said Anton Karankevich.
He emphasized that this move will bolster the country’s energy security and improve the reliability of the energy supply. “After all, in addition to the unified energy market, we have a unified energy system, where, through mutual assistance, we can buy electricity from Russia, and Russia can buy it from us,” the deputy added.
Therefore, this legislative framework will allow consumers to choose their supplier, thereby ensuring energy security, enhancing the country’s economic security, and guaranteeing a reliable electricity supply.
