The Mechanism of “Smoothing” Cross-Subsidization Between the Subjects of the Russian Federation as the Basis of the Concept of Creating Unified Energy Zones in the Russian Federation

Abstract

Based on the analysis of the problem of redistribution of cross-subsidization, the article organizationally and economically justifies the need to introduce a mechanism for its “smoothing” between the subjects of the Russian Federation. A critical assessment of the formation of a negative cross-subsidization value is given, contradictions and inconsistencies in the regulatory legal acts of the current legislation are shown, the causes and consequences of uncontrolled growth in cross-subsidization at the regional level and at the level of the national economy are named. The official methodology for calculating the amount of cross-subsidization is described, its diasadvantages are shown. The schedule of bringing the rates of cross-subsidization to an economically reasonable level is proposed, which allows preventing a sharp increase in tariffs for certain categories of consumers and reducing social tension in certain subjects of the Russian Federation. The concept of creating unified energy zones has been developed, the implementation of which implies a three-stage transition to the use of a mechanism for “smoothing” state regulation of prices (tariffs) for electric power transmission services. Based on the conducted research, it is concluded that the formed common economic space allows to reduce cross-subsidization and contributes to increasing investment attractiveness and development of regions with a low level of socio-economic development.