Georgians may see increased electricity tariff
By Amina Nazarli
Georgian Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze has said that the Georgian National Commission on Energy is ready to raise the electricity tariff in Tbilisi by more than 22 percent starting August 1, Sputnik reported.
Kaladze stated that the tariff hike would affect customers of the electricity distribution company Energo-Pro Georgia Company, which provides electricity to 70 percent of Georgia.
Due to the depreciation of the national currency, Georgian energy companies are facing a tough situation and options are limited.
Earlier as a result of the energy tariff adjustment, Energo-Pro Georgia, the Telasi Company and Kakheti Distribution Company, which is in threat of bankruptcy, applied for relief from the National Regulatory Commission for Energy and Water.
Energo-Pro Georgia is required to adjust the tariff in view of the slide in Georgian currency relative to the dollar.
The government can meet the request of Telasi Company for assistance, the minister stressed, adding that the Commission will readjust the company’s tariff soon.
”We assume that the tariff increase will occur similarly, as purchase of electricity is the same for all,” the energy minister said prior to the meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.
He noted that prices will rise only for imported electricity, and changes will not affect electricity generated in Georgia.
In this regard Georgia must achieve energy independence, the minister urged, adding that it is necessary to study water resources, and build hydroelectric and wind power.
Meanwhile, the government promises to provide subsidies for vulnerable families burdened by the increase in electricity tariffs, Garibashvili said at a government meeting on July 23.
It should be noted that in 2013, the government of Georgia and the electricity distribution companies signed a memorandum of understanding to reduce electricity tariffs from April 2013 to December 31, 2016.
--
Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @amina_nazarli
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz