Kazakh entrepreneurs overcharged for electricity despite legal subsidies
Two local entrepreneur-owned small businesses in Zhualynsky District have been overcharged for electricity since January. Instead of the legally set rate of 35.12 tenge per kWh, they were billed at 38.44 tenge. The discrepancy came to light after prosecutors examined compliance with entrepreneur protection laws. The affected entrepreneurs produce socially essential food products, qualifying them for a subsidised electricity rate. Their combined business value is estimated at 2 billion tenge. Despite this, they missed out on government-mandated subsidies due to the incorrect billing. Prosecutors in Zhualynsky District launched a review after identifying the pricing issue. Their investigation confirmed the overcharging and prompted corrective action. Those responsible for the violation were held accountable, ensuring the entrepreneurs now receive the proper rate. The intervention has resolved the overpayment issue, aligning the electricity costs with the legal discount. Both businesses will now benefit from the correct subsidised rate of 35.12 tenge per kWh. This adjustment also restores their access to the government subsidies they were previously denied.
