According to AES spokesperson, Olga Alesenko, "AES decided to increase the capacity of its power stations in light of the rapid growth of Kazakhstan's industry and the country's higher consumption of electric power."

"[AES] plans to treble the electricity-generating capacity of the power station in Ekibastuz to up to 4000 mW and modernise several hydroelectric power stations in Shulbinsk and Ust-Kamenogorsk in Eastern Kazakhstan," said Alesenko.

A more detailed development plan will be approved in May.