One of Nurbank's priorities is the search and implementation of socially significant projects with great economic potential that enhance the quality of life for the population of Kazakhstan. These projects can encompass education, production, medicine, construction, energy, and more. Hence, the bank strives to foster the sustainable development of the national economy.
Energy is one of the most important sectors of the economy, representing a complex system of production, distribution, and utilization of energy. To navigate this system, one must possess profound knowledge of the specific workings of the energy complex, rules, and safety norms. A specialist with such knowledge is Marat Kamalbekovich Yesekin, Executive Director of LLP "Energoexpert and K," Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Energy Auditors, Energy Managers, and Energy Experts of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and a client of Nurbank. Marat Kamalbekovich founded LLP "Energoexpert and K" in 2006 in Karaganda, which provides comprehensive consulting and engineering services in the fields of energy and energy saving, and is a leading energy expert company in Kazakhstan.
Marat Kamalbekovich shared with us what became the foundation for his business, how he develops it, who assists in these endeavors, and the value of the services provided for clients.
— How did you come up with the idea of creating a company that provides professional services in energy saving and energy expertise?
— I have been a professional in the energy sector for 30 years. I started as an electrician for line and substation installations and worked as an energy specialist at leading production enterprises, mines, and pits. I then led the regional energy supervision department. After the energy supervision system disbanded, I worked for more than 5 years in the regional government of Karaganda, overseeing the energy and housing utilities sector. At some point, I realized that I wanted to unlock my potential and decided to start my firm. With my extensive experience in the energy sector, I wanted to be beneficial for my country and region by providing comprehensive energy services to consumers: enterprises in the commercial or industrial sector, and the general public. Why? Let me explain: the energy sector requires strict adherence to safety rules and norms, which many consumers are unaware of. Violating these can greatly increase risks for the enterprise's operations, potentially causing catastrophic failures, fires, accidents, and so on.
Previously, state energy supervision was responsible for controlling consumer energy safety, and then these functions were transferred to accredited independent energy expert organizations.
Today, energy experts conduct expertise and audits, which are crucial in our time. We assist in areas where the consumer is not competent and cannot be fully aware of the myriad requirements and standards in energy and energy saving.
— What are the risks of not having energy expertise and audits at an enterprise?
— The importance of energy expertise cannot be overstated.
I'll cite a few examples demonstrating the significance of our work: in 2019, the entire left bank and strategically important state objects in Astana were cut off from electricity. This happened because the cables at the high-voltage substation were not installed in compliance with proper norms. The main reason for this accident was the lack of energy expertise that could have prevented such a catastrophe. Another example: in 2021, in Karaganda at a known market in Maikuduk, 2 people died within four days due to gross violations of energy norms and the absence of energy expertise. Hence, we advise all consumers on necessary measures, norms to observe, and train personnel for timely violation correction. Thus, they prevent accidents and reduce company risks.
— What challenges did you encounter while establishing the company?
— Initially, we faced significant challenges because we were among the pioneers in this field, needing to choose approaches, forms, and methods of work. The early 2000s were marked by an economic and industrial decline, and the energy sector was struggling. Many issues and problems in this sector remain unresolved. Kazakhstan has long struggled with uneconomical and irrational resource usage, and there's a pressing need to modernize energy sources and networks to prevent ecological collapse. Legislation in the energy sector is not well-developed, and securing work involves fierce competition on procurement platforms. The market is unstable. We operate on trading floors of large companies and participate in tenders and competitions. The imperfections in procurement procedures foster unfair competition and price dumping. Sometimes, significant work is awarded at minimal cost to unscrupulous contractors.
— How did your business evolve?
— In 2006, I rented a single office, and I didn't even have a methodology for work, which my former colleagues helped develop. No one knew our company then. Gradually, we gained experience and built a client base.
I started hiring former employees and training young specialists. We mastered the field of energy expertise, opening a new direction for us - energy auditing. Without prior experience, we started learning, sharing expertise with Russians and colleagues from Kazan. In 2012, the law of the RK "On Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency" was implemented. From this point, active energy-saving initiatives began in the country, introducing norms for mandatory energy audits. The results provide evaluations of energy resource utilization and efficiency, along with recommendations to reduce energy resource consumption and product cost. All entrepreneurs are interested in such measures.
— Who assisted you in the business?
— At one point, I needed devices for my work. I turned to Nurbank for a loan, and we gradually started purchasing them. Now, I own a whole range of the latest digital devices to ensure maximum precision in my work. We've been collaborating with Nurbank since the establishment of its branch in Karaganda. Annually, we open a credit line for issuing bank guarantees. We conduct currency transfers and have opened a deposit.
Working with Nurbank employees is pleasant; they've become a reliable partner for us. Values like professionalism, responsiveness, and promptness characterize their staff. They're open to dialogue, adeptly explaining any issues, but most importantly, they're attentive and warm. Nurbank strives to find personalized solutions for any situation. Having proven its stability over 30 years, Nurbank continues to effectively serve its clients.
— What are your achievements?
— To date, despite there being over 500 accredited companies in expertise and around 200 in energy audit in Kazakhstan, our company leads in these fields.
We have fulfilled 10 international projects in energy saving and efficiency, conducted over 120 energy audits of budget and industrial enterprises in the Republic of Kazakhstan, completed more than 600 energy expertise tasks across Kazakhstan, and performed about 3000 electrical tests and measurements, while developing over 470 power supply and heat supply projects. The company is certified to international ISO standards.
Over the years, we've built a cohesive team, staffed with skilled experts (in both thermal and electrical energy) with substantial production experience and knowledge, all of whom have undergone appropriate professional training. We regularly educate our employees, participating in seminars and various courses.
Our experts carry out precise and detailed analyses of enterprise energy resource management and audit energy cost expenses, providing recommendations for more efficient resource use, leading to enhanced energy performance for businesses. Our audit practice is renowned across Kazakhstan.
We own a mobile electric laboratory equipped for conducting energy audits and measurements.
— What advantages does your company offer?
— Our company's ideology is to provide a comprehensive "turnkey" service in energy and energy saving fields. The main priority in our work is quality execution within specified timelines.
— How did you come to lead the Chamber of Energy Auditors, Managers, and Experts of the RK? What role does it play?
— The existing problems in the energy sector prompted us to form the country's Association of Energy Auditors and Experts, which I now head.
We appeal to state bodies for improvements in the state procurement system. In collaboration with government entities, we work on legislative enhancements in this field, often opposing state bodies to protect business and consumer interests. We aim to ensure business freedom from strict conditions and consumer protection.
— What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
— Organizing and managing a business is a significant responsibility. It requires knowledge of your business, decision-making abilities, and demanding personnel. But it's equally important to protect your employees, treating them fairly and kindly. This is crucial because people will reciprocate. Starting a business isn't difficult; the main thing is to understand that each industry has its specifics. In energy, there's particular responsibility. Many hidden challenges and risks exist. We've had to learn a lot and be cautious, understanding the unique aspects of the work. My employees' salaries consist of base and motivational components for achieving volumes and quality. I've experimented extensively. Previously I had to delve into every detail; now, I've developed a delegation scheme that freed me from controlling people. Specialists know their responsibilities and understand they're critical to success. That's the highest achievement if a company functions smoothly without managerial intervention. Everyone knows their role and operation effectively.
— What are your plans?
— Energy is a multifaceted industry, offering numerous growth avenues with limitless improvement potential. We are venturing into new areas where we see demand, aiming to move away from procurement systems and tight frameworks. We've found our footing, but we wish to advance even further.
Reference:
The Nurbank branch opened in Karaganda in October 2009 and continues to strengthen its presence in the Karaganda region. The region’s economy shows positive growth dynamics in industry, construction, social sphere, and services. Karaganda region is a vital area contributing about 8% to the country's GDP.
Main areas funded by the Nurbank branch in Karaganda are services (82%—primarily modern format trade house construction and service centers), production—8.5%, social sphere 5%, and the remainder covering trade and others.
The branch participates in financing clients through state programs, crisis periods, and pandemic-related programs in the country.
Nurbank's Karaganda branch offers a full range of banking services for both SMEs and individuals.
Source: ekaraganda.kz