Power Sector Reform in Central Asia: Observations on the Diverse Experiences of Some Formerly Soviet Republics and Mongolia

Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 15, pp. 218-234, 2007 doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2005.12.013

Posted: 5 Sep 2009 Last revised: 31 Jul 2015

See all articles by Aashish Mehta

Aashish Mehta

University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

H. Satish Rao

Asian Development Bank

Anil Terway

Asian Development Bank

Date Written: 2007

Abstract

We examine the paths to structural reform of the electricity sectors in six former communist Central Asian countries, present data on progress towards solving identified problems, and develop economic hypotheses linking the structural changes with progress identified. This analysis is used to derive suggestions for the further structural reforms of the sectors. The experiences documented make a strong case for (i) improving the transparency of operations of Central Asia’s power utilities, beginning with the transactions between subsidiaries; and (ii) improving incentives for distribution companies to perform their billing and cash collection responsibilities, both through improved accountability, and, in the countries studied, some privatisation of these commercial services. They also highlight the critical role of governmental commitment to restoring discipline, the importance of setting limited and consistent objectives for regulators, and the function of transmission company independence in promoting economically and environmentally efficient and sustainable regional power trade.

Suggested Citation

Mehta, Aashish Sunil and Rao, H. Satish and Terway, Anil, Power Sector Reform in Central Asia: Observations on the Diverse Experiences of Some Formerly Soviet Republics and Mongolia (2007). Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 15, pp. 218-234, 2007 doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2005.12.013, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1468772

Aashish Sunil Mehta (Contact Author)

University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) ( email )

South Hall 5504
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.global.ucsb.edu/people/aashish-mehta

H. Satish Rao

Asian Development Bank

6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550
Metro Manila
Philippines

Anil Terway

Asian Development Bank

6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550
Metro Manila
Philippines

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Abstract Views
465
PlumX Metrics