ANRE holds public debates on adjustment of gas charges

The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) will stage public debates on the adjustment of the natural gas charges proposed by SA Moldovagaz. In the meeting, officials of Moldovagaz will present their arguments in favor of increasing the charges, including the costs included by the company in these tariffs, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a communiqué from the ANRE. On December 31, 2010, Moldovagaz submitted an official request to the Agency, asking that the tariffs on the transportation, distribution and supply of natural gas and the average charge for end-users be adjusted. Moldovagaz requested setting a new average charge for end-users at 4,636 lei per 1,000 cubic meters, as against the current charge of 4,098 lei per 1,000 cubic meters set by the Agency on May 18, 2010. The gas supplier also demanded raising the tariff on the gas distribution services by 44.3 lei, from 583.73 lei to 628.03 lei per 1,000 cubic meters, while the tariff on the gas transportation services – by 3.5 lei, from 23.62 lei to 27.13 lei per 1,000 cubic meters. The public debates will take place in the ANRE’s assembly hall on January 14. They will be attended by representatives of state institutions, employers, trade unions, consumer protection associations and other nongovernmental organizations.