Activists demand from Armenian authorities guarantees of refusal from increasing electricity tariffs

In Yerevan, opponents of increased electricity tariffs have held an action aimed to inform about the planned protest march. Activists have also demanded from the authorities to provide guarantees that they have refused to increase energy tariffs, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

On May 8, the Company "Electric Grid of Armenia" addressed the Commission for Regulating of Public Services (CRPS) with a proposal to increase the day-time consumer electricity tariff from 41.85 drams per 1 kW/h up to 58.93 drams, and the night-time tariff – from 31.85 up to 48.93 drams per 1 kW/h. On June 2, Robert Nazaryan, the Chairman of the CRPS, said that the Commission found the proposal reasonable; and the tariffs will be increased.

On May 27, 15 cities of Armenia held protests against increased tariffs. Activists believe that the authorities have already informally agreed to increase the tariffs; however, the participants of the initiative group would not give up their struggle against this decision, said Areg Gevorgyan, one of the protesters.

According to Vaginak Shushanyan, another protester, only active struggle can prevent the increase in electricity tariffs.

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