Round Table discussion at Energy Committee of the State Duma of Russia

A Round Table discussion took place at the Energy Committee of the State Duma (Chairman of the Committee Mr. I. Grachev presiding) devoted to «The development of the social and economic policy with regard to implementation of energy saving technologies».

Representatives of the interested organizations including state bodies and agencies, major companies (JSC «Russian Railways»), and banks were present at the Round Table. The Slovenian Embassy in Russia and JSC «Comita» contributed much to the organization of the session. The Ambassador of the Slovenian Republic, representatives of the manufacturers and consumers of energy saving equipment, banks and municipal authorities took part in the discussion.

Sergey Vodolagin, Managing partner of Westside Advisors Law Firm, made a short presentation, proposing amendments to the energy-saving laws. In particular tax incentives should be put in place favoring the development of energy saving technologies; budget laws should enable the municipal authorities to provide long-term municipal guarantees securing the credit facilities provided by the banks financing energy service contracts. The implementation of the amendments will facilitate the development of energy-service contracts.

At the request of the Chairman it was decided to summarize and to submit the views discussed to the State Duma Energy Committee for further legislative consideration.