Gasification of the Vologda oblast rural areas: history and prospects

One of the main problems of modern Russia is the uncontrolled locational compression of the economic space which is expressed in depopulation and economic desertifi cation of rural areas against the background of strengthening the positions of cities and agglomerations. Low living standards in rural areas, destruction of rural way of life, degradation of rural economy and a number of other problems that emerged after the reforms of the 90s of the 20th century can become catalysts for new spatial gaps and increased socio-economic differentiation in the absence of counterbalances. In this regard, a comprehensive approach to preservation and revival of the Russian countryside is necessary. It should be based on modernization of infrastructure which, in fact, creates comfortable living conditions and attractive business climate in rural areas. The purpose of the work is to study gasifi cation process of rural areas in the case of the Vologda Oblast. In the study, the author uses monographic method, methods of analysis and synthesis, tabular and graphical methods of data visualization. The paper identifi es and characterizes three periods in the history of the region’s gasification: Soviet (1959-1990), transitional (19902001), and modern (2002 - present). The research establishes that, despite the crossing of the region’s territory by main pipelines, currently, network gas is available only in 15 municipal districts out of 26, and the level of urban provision with network natural gas does not exceed 15.9%. The current situation is due to the presence of organizational and fi nancial problems; some of them can be eliminated by switching to a new model ofgasifi cation of the entities of the Russian Federation. The results of the work contribute to developing ideas about the problems and prospects of gasifi cation in Russia’s regions. The results can also be used by scientists in conducting research on similar topics, as well as by state authorities of the entities of the Russian Federation and local self-government in development and implementation of relevant programs and projects.