The increase in the tariffs of energy resources is imminent and could determine a number of consumers to give up using these resources. Such conclusions were formulate din the talk show “Fabrika” on Publika TV channel, IPN reports.
Alexandru Mija, head of the Tariffs Division of the National Agency for Energy Regulation, said the Agency already initiated public consultations on the requests to increase the tariffs made by “Moldova-Gaz” and “Gaz Natural Fenosa”. “The Agency’s task is to act correctly. We use the principle “minimal costs and maximum efficiency”. These rises could reduce the number of consumers, including economic entities. The requests of the two companies will not be granted immediately. We will analyze their arguments and will do also our own calculations. If it’s necessary, we will allow gradually increasing the tariffs,” he stated.
The head of the Association of Energy Consumers of Moldova Nicolae Mogoreanu said the rise in tariffs is determined by the depreciation of the national currency. “The purchase price of gas remained the same or even decreased. But the transportation and supply services grew dearer. The last time the charges were raised in 2011. Since then the leu has depreciated considerably. To protect the socially deprived groups of people, the volume of gas paid at lower tariffs should be increased from 30 to 40 cubic meters,” he said.
Petru Chiriac, vice president of the National Confederation of Trade Unions of Moldova, said the rise in the tariffs of energy resources will affect the country’s population, especially the budget-funded employees and those working in agriculture. “The 2015 state budget hasn’t been yet approved. It is yet known that the salaries will not be raised. The consumers will have to pay twice more for energy resources and this is a heavy burden. Many people already refuse to use the services of economic entities because they cannot pay for them even at the current charges. In villages, there are not many consumers of gas. We should hold negotiations with representatives of the Government and decision makers of energy companies to see how we can protect the ordinary people from the possible rises,” he stated.
