Novak instructed to toughen penalties for illegal joining the networks

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak instructed to toughen penalties for illegal connection to the electric grid in energy-deficient regions of Russia. He announced this on April 30 at a meeting on the implementation of the regional program for sustainable economic development of the Republic of Dagestan.

"Federal authorities have been instructed to work out options for tougher liability for illegal connection to power grids and use of electricity in energy—deficient regions, including Dagestan," a statement posted on the Russian government's website said.

At the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Energy, together with federal and regional authorities, to develop a comprehensive program for the development of Dagestan's energy system for the period up to 2031. It is noted that the main task should be to increase the energy capacity of the region.

Novak also instructed to continue work on improving the consumer accounting system and the debt collection system for housing and communal services in Dagestan. In addition, the republic's authorities have been instructed to monitor energy efficiency improvement programs for the region's electric grid.

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On April 8, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that demand for electricity has been growing faster in Russia over the past five years. According to him, on the one hand, there is an active inclusion of new technologies that reduce energy consumption per unit of production as a whole. At the same time, energy-intensive sectors such as electric transport and data centers are being expanded.