Deregulation

The Ukraine government plans to sell 52.93 per cent of the state regional electricity distribution company Zaporizhoblenergo by the end of the year. A stake of 37.92 per cent will be sold at through a commercial tender while 15 per cent will be sold through special privatization certificates.

The state intends to retain a 25 per cent stake in the distribution company. 17.18 per cent of the share have already been sold to company employees. The government suspended all regional distribution company privatizations last year following deep divisions over goals and methods.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has indicated that it is considering taking a stake in the regional companies in the Ukraine. It sees these as a key part of the industry which must be bolstered in order to attract strategic investors into the electricity sector.