EMBASSY ENERGY OFFICERS IN ASTANA

UNCLAS ASTANA 000431 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG SENV APER ABUD SUBJECT: EMBASSY ENERGY OFFICERS IN ASTANA REF: STATE 10743 ¶1. This cable responds to reftel request for information for required reports to Congress on energy. Following are post's responses to reftel questions: ¶A. The Pol/Econ section covers energy issues. Fully-staffed, the section has seven officers, one OMS, and five locally-employed staff (LES). ¶B. Post has one FS 0-2 energy officer position. 90% of the officer's time is devoted to energy issues. The section also has one energy specialist LES, who devotes 90% of her time to energy issues. In 2008, the Department of Energy intends to provide post with a direct-hire officer, and has already started the process of hiring one DOE LES. ¶C. The energy officer monitors, analyzes, and reports on Kazakhstan's petroleum, gas, electricity, and nuclear sectors. The officer advocates with the Government of Kazakhstan on behalf of U.S. oil and gas companies. The officer monitors, analyzes, and reports on petroleum and gas export issues. ¶D. FY 2007 Post Expenditures on Energy-Related Activities: Direct-Hire Energy Officer Travel: $12,329 (also includes travel by LES Specialist) Representational Events: $200 Pol-Econ LES Energy Specialist Base Salary: $20,700 Total (including benefits): 29,830 ORDWAY