Russia may drop plans to privatize IDGC in 2014 due to market

MOSCOW, Mar 26 (PRIME) -- The Energy Ministry may drop plans to privatize some interregional distribution grid companies (IDGCs), units of power utility Russian Grids, in 2014 due to a difficult market situation, Deputy Energy Minister Vyacheslav Kravchenko said on Wednesday.

He said it is reasonable to privatize at least one of the companies even in current conditions.

"My personal view – I would privatize at least one, even at a ridiculous price. I believe that ideologically it is correct though it may bring no economic effect," Kravchenko said.

The ministry previously planned to privatize some of Russian Grids' units in 2013, but delayed the sale until 2014 due to uncertainties regarding tariff regulation.

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