Experts expressed opposing opinions about the necessity of raising the electric power charges in the talk show “Politics” on TV 7 channel, IPN reports.

Economic expert Sergiu Tofilat considers the electricity suppliers’ request to increase the tariffs is not justified. “First of all, I think a serious audit at Gas Natural Fenosa is needed, which would take into account the oscillations in the exchange rates of the currency. We are told that the tariffs should be raised, but we do not know the reality. The rise in tariffs should be explained so that the people know why the charges are increased. Some of the suppliers may resort to frauds and the consumers must not be obliged to pay from their own pockets,” he stated.

Tudor Soitu, ex-vice president of the Audit Office, confirmed that frauds are committed at Gas Natural Fenosa. “The audit report on Gas Natural Fenosa for 2010-2012 reveals irregularities. But this document wasn’t examined. I hope it will be taken into account when the rise in the electricity tariffs is discussed. I think a 60% rise is not justified,” he said.

On the other hand, former adviser to the president of Gas Natural Fenosa Ion Comendant said the electricity tariffs must be increased. “The company is facing default and the imposed conditions can make the investor leave. The supplier is not to blame for the deprecation of the leu. The electricity may be disconnected as in 2000,” he stated.

The president of the Association of Consumers of Energy Resources Nicolae Mogoreanu said he is for increasing the tariffs. “The quantity of consumed electric power hasn’t been fully paid for over a year. I think the rise is partially justified, but not by 60%. The tariffs must be raised gradually so as not to affect the consumers,” he stated.

Recently, the companies Red Union Fenosa and Gas Natural Fenosa Furnizare Energie, which form part of Gaz Natural Fenosa Group and serve about 70% of the country’s territory, said they were warned by the state-run company Energocom, which is managed by the Ministry of Economy, that the supply of electricity could be reduced by up to 40% owing to the delay in paying for the supplied power starting with July 1.