Imitation electric energy trade to start on September 9, 2002

Imitation trade in the energy sector will start on September 9, 2002 andwill last for several months, the Administrator of the Trading Systemreported to RBC. Beginning September 23 market participants are expected tobe connected to the imitation trading system. There are around 300potential free market participants meeting all requirements. At the sametime, according to the Trading System Administration, no more than 100electric energy buyers and sellers will take part in the real tradesession. In November 2002, after the preliminary results of the imitationtrade are summed up, a meeting of the Supervisory Board of the TradingSystem Administration will be held, at which a final decision on the terms,rules and the launch pattern for a real trade session in the free energysector will be made. .