Armenian protesters expect gradual increase of power tariffs

The participants of the rally-march against increase of electricity tariffs in Yerevan are sure that the Commission for Regulating Public Services will increase the tariffs not by 17 drams, as requested by the "Armenian Power Grids", but by a little smaller amount, in order not to trigger mass protests.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that actions against the rise in electricity tariffs were held yesterday in 15 cities of Armenia.

Yerevan protesters told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that they plan to set up initiative groups in the country to coordinate people's fight against rise in prices for electricity. They noted that their protest actions will be broad-ranging: from the collection of signatures up to blackouts, rallies, marches and disobedience acts.

Tigran Isahakyan, a restorer and one of the marchers, said that the steady growth of electricity tariffs is a result of irresponsibility of the authorities.

Laura Davtyan, a nurse, believes that people are not able to bear the burden of the constant tariff growth. According to her story, 70 percent of her salary goes to payment of utility bills.

She is convinced that the "Armenian Power Grids" have intentionally offered an increase by 17 drams per kilowatt of power, for the authorities then "allegedly make a concession to people and reduce the requested increase by some 7-10 drams."

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.