Decrease in differentiation of electric power supply in regions and sustainable development of the Russian economy

Differentiation in (per capita) electricity consumption (EPC) between developed and developing countries is decreasing in the world. However, the difference between Russian regions in terms of this indicator in 1990-2020 increased. It is shown that an increase in differentiation in the electric power supply leads to an increase in imbalances in socio-economic development. The relationship between the low profitability of goods and services in the regions and low EPC was revealed. Unlike developing countries, where electricity consumption is limited by the possibilities of electricity production, in the Russian regions the limiting factor is the underdevelopment of electricity consumers. Under conditions of underdeveloped industry and low power supply, higher losses in power networks are characteristic, which causes a significant increase in electricity prices for local industrial and agricultural consumers. Prerequisites are created for the transfer of industrial and agricultural production to regions with lower electricity supply costs. The mechanism aimed at preventing this negative trend is considered. As a result of its implementation, the modernization of production processes at electricity consumers will be initiated and conditions will be created for the emergence of new points of growth in these currently subsidized regions.