PSRC raises electricity tariffs amid public protests

 July 1, 2014 - 15:09 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) raised the electricity tariffs at its meeting on Tuesday, July 1, ARKA reported.

In particular, tariffs for electricity supplies by the Electric Networks of Armenia were set at AMD 41.85 per kilowatt-hour in the daytime (from 7:00 to 23:00), up from current AMD 38, and AMD 31.85 per kilowatt-hour at nights, up from current AMD 28. The decision comes into effect on August 1, 2014.

The opposition forces present at the meeting urged the commission to put off the final decision to seek additional resources to fill up the financial gap. Yet, the head of the commission Robert Nazaryan said they studied the opportunities thoroughly and found no additional option.

However, he added, if such opportunities arise, the commission is ready to review its decision before August 1.

Scores of civil activists gathered near the PSRC office in Yerevan on Tuesday, protesting against the price hike. Police officers cordoned off the area, preventing protesters from approaching the building.

According to preliminary assessments by the commission, additional AMD 20 billion are required for energy enterprises to ensure financial stability, reliable and safe power supply. Electricity tariffs are expected to be raised for all customer groups from AMD 3.8 to 4.3 per kwt-hour for to fill in the financial gap.