Situation around Electric Networks of Armenia discussed in Yerevan with Russian officials
YEREVAN. June 26 (Interfax) - The situation that arose around Electric Networks of Armenia (ESA), a closed joint-stock company, was discussed during a government discussion of the Armenian-Russian energy cooperation on Friday.
The discussion was attended by Armenia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Russia's Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov, who co-chairs the Russian-Armenian intergovernmental commission, a governmental spokesperson told Interfax.
In addition, the parties discussed current joint program and prospective areas of further cooperation in the energy sector.
On June 17, the Armenian Public Services Regulatory Commission (KROU) decided to increase the electricity rate from August 1, 2015, by 6.93 drams per one kilowatt-hour. The current rate is 41.85 drams per one kilowatt-hour in daytime and 31.85 per one kilowatt-hour at night. "The main reason for this decision is the fluctuation in the currency exchange rates," said Garegin Bagramyan, the KROU chairman.
In early May, ESA, which is 100% owned by Russia's Inter RAO asked KROU to increase electricity rates.
The decision to raise electricity rates led to massive protests in Yerevan from June 19, organized by No To Robbery, a civil rights group. The movement consists mainly of young people who claim to have no links with any political or public forces.
On the early morning of June 23 Armenian police conducted an operation to disperse the demonstrators. According to the police, 237 people were arrested. All of them were later released.
The demonstration resumed on the evening of June 23. Protestors blocked the central Bagramyan Avenue, having barricaded themselves with dumpsters.
