The Soviet energy system of the 1970s and 1980s was actively expanding, yet today it shows signs of wear across Russia and other former Soviet states. Experts note the aging infrastructure is approaching its limits and could impact stability in the region. An assessment from a university economist specializing in national economy highlights the growing strain on power generation facilities.

The analysis explains that many power stations were designed with a service life of 40 to 50 years, and those timeframes are now drawing to a close. The steady advance of depreciation has become a defining factor for the sector, with fixed asset wear accelerating over the years. In 2015, depreciation in the Russian electric power sector stood at 44.5 percent. By 2023, excluding new territories, the figure was projected to reach about 51 percent. The most worn components are those used for both heat and electricity production.

According to the assessment, the drastic decline of heavy industry during the 1990s created a scenario where many existing facilities still functioned, but the rate of commissioning new thermal power plants did not keep pace with the wear and tear. This imbalance has contributed to longer-term maintenance challenges and questions about future capacity.

Sanctions have disrupted the supply chain for critical equipment and advanced technology since 2014. In recent years, Russia has gradually resumed production of turbines for most power plants, yet the overall reliance on imported components underscores vulnerabilities. The expert urged households to study examples from Western economies that have pursued greater energy autonomy and opportunities to sell surplus energy to the grid, a move that could alter domestic energy dynamics.

In the wake of July indexations, several regions registered a noticeable rise in tariffs for housing and communal services. Kostroma saw the kopeck rate climb to 8,250 rubles, while Vladivostok experienced a 25 to 30 percent increase in sewerage charges. Analysts attribute these shifts to a combination of climate-driven demand and ongoing infrastructure modernization.

Earlier discussions highlighted regions that previously faced the lowest burden of housing and social service costs, pointing to geographic and economic diversity in the lived experiences of residents across the country. These patterns illustrate how tariff changes interact with local conditions and governance frameworks, influencing household budgets and regional development strategies.

Overall, the situation emphasizes the need for strategic planning in aging power assets, diversified supply chains, and adaptive policies that reflect regional differences in demand, climate impact, and economic activity. This framework helps explain how the energy sector can maintain reliability while modernizing infrastructure and supporting broader societal goals.