​ELECTRICITY TARIFF CORRECTION SHOULD BE STEPWISE

Deputy Minister of Economy Valeriu Triboi told to journalists on Tuesday that the correction of tariffs on electricity should be carried out stepwise, while a sharp raising, demanded by distributors, is unacceptable.

“We understand there is reality that can not be ignored, including the depreciation of the national leu currency. At the same time, we can not agree with arguments of distributors and suppliers, who demand a sharp raising of tariffs. The decision should be taken after a thorough analysis of the issue on new tariffs”, said Triboi.

According to him, the authorities participate in negotiations with suppliers, trying to directly agree with the electricity provider – the Moldavskaya Power Plant [in Transnistria, the Republic of Moldova's largest energy producer].

“We have to achieve the diversification of sources of electricity supply. As long as we have only one supplier, we will be in a disadvantageous position. We are seeking foreign partners for connecting to the energy market of European Union”, Triboi said.

National Energy Regulatory Agency of Moldova (ANRE) Director Sergiu Ciobanu said that a deep analysis is necessary for establishing a fair tariff on electricity.

“The expertise can last half a year or even a year. Given the difficult situation in the country, the decision will be taken quicker. The ANRE is checking the justification of distributors to take a reasoned decision. We can not talk about some concrete percents of tariff raising. Even if 60% were demanded, an analysis of all the elements is being conducted and only after it we can tell concrete figures”, Ciobanu said.

Infotag’s dossier: Earlier, the Gas Natural Fenosa group announced that it received a warning from the electricity supplier due to delay in payments for the provided electricity. The current tariff was set in May 2012, when the exchange rate was 11.8 MDL per US$1, while now it reached almost 19 MDL:US$1. The company expects that new tariffs will be adopted till July 15.