A national project entitled “Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sectors,” approved by a Government resolution, is being implemented in the country.
The project provides for the modernization of heating and electricity networks, as well as drinking water supply and wastewater systems in the city of Shymkent. The main objectives are to upgrade aging infrastructure, introduce modern technologies, implement automated energy resource metering, and expand remote network monitoring capabilities.
According to Azat Kainaruly, Deputy Head of the Shymkent City Department of Energy and Infrastructure Development, the city’s natural monopoly entities are carrying out modernization works in stages.
In the electricity sector, Ontustik Zharyk Transit LLP plans to invest approximately 48 billion tenge by 2029, modernize 239 kilometers of power grids, replace 117 transformer units, and introduce 197,000 automated electricity metering systems (AEMS). As part of the national project, 14 kilometers of power grids were modernized in 2025. Currently, under a project worth 10 billion tenge, the reconstruction of 59.2 kilometers of networks, replacement of 19 transformers, and installation of 49,000 AEMS are planned. Competitive procedures are underway to select a contractor for the construction works. As a result, the depreciation rate of the electricity networks is expected to decrease from 56% to 52%.
In the heating sector, the enterprise “Kuatzhyluortalyk-3” is modernizing main heating networks with a total length of 11 kilometers across six sections as part of a project worth 5.8 billion tenge. A contractor has already been selected. This year, the replacement of approximately 1 kilometer of heating networks is planned at a cost of 318 million tenge. Upon completion of the project, the depreciation rate of the heating networks is expected to decrease from 37% to 35%.
In the water supply and wastewater sector, Su Resources-Marketing LLP plans to invest approximately 73 billion tenge by 2029. The project will include the modernization of 44 kilometers of drinking water supply networks and 18.2 kilometers of wastewater networks. In addition, the metering devices of 150,000 city residents will be replaced with systems capable of transmitting data remotely.
Thus, the national project is aimed at upgrading Shymkent’s engineering infrastructure, reducing network deterioration, and improving the quality and reliability of utility services.