Kazakhstan's electricity market operator upgrades settlement system ahead of deadline

Kazakhstan’s electricity market operator, KOREM JSC, has completed a major upgrade to its settlement system well ahead of the deadline. The move follows concerns over cybersecurity risks and the lack of official certification for its balancing market software. Authorities had set a strict timeline for the improvements to strengthen reliability and oversight. The Supreme Audit Chamber had ordered KOREM JSC to fully develop and launch its settlement centre system by March 31, 2026. The directive came after it was discovered that the operator’s existing software for the electricity balancing market lacked mandatory cybersecurity certification. Without this, the system had never been formally commissioned, raising technical and security concerns.

KOREM JSC, which manages Kazakhstan’s electricity and capacity markets, has now met all requirements in full—and ahead of schedule. The completed system aims to improve transparency, reduce cybersecurity threats, and tighten state control over market operations. The upgrades will also enhance the stability of the balancing market, which plays a key role in maintaining grid reliability. By addressing certification gaps and operational weaknesses, the operator seeks to prevent disruptions and ensure smoother energy trading.

The early completion of the settlement system marks a significant step in securing Kazakhstan’s electricity infrastructure. With cybersecurity risks now mitigated and state oversight strengthened, the balancing market is expected to operate with greater efficiency. The changes will take full effect as the updated system becomes fully operational.