The water charges could increase following the rise in the electricity tariffs. The public utility “Apa-Canal Chisinau” submitted information about the costs of its services to the National Agency for Energy Regulation. In the weekly meeting held at the Chisinau City Hall, the company’s technical director Vitalie Midari said the costs incurred by “Apa-Canal Chisinau” will rise by 4 million lei a year following the higher electric power tariffs, IPN reports.

“The electric power accounts for over 20% of the cost of the water supply service. That’s why the rise in electricity tariffs influences the company’s production costs. The last time the tariffs were adjusted in 2009. The inflation rate was very high the last few years,” stated Midari.

He noted that the National Agency for Energy Regulation will analyze the information transmitted by  “Apa-Canal Chisinau” and will decide if the water charges should be adjusted or not. Afterward, the company will make an official request to the Agency.

Vitalie Midari also made reference to a €60 million project signed by the company with international organizations.  “The project is under the guarantee of the Chisinau City Hall and is financed from three sources: the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank and the European Union. It envisions the adjustment of the water charges on time so that we are able to repay the borrowed money,” he stated.

On November 9, the higher electric power tariffs that were approved in July and then suspended in September took effect. Thus, the end-users supplied by RED Union Fenosa pay 2.16 lei per kw/hour, those supplied by RED Nord – 2.23 lei, while those supplied by RED Nord-Vest – 2.33 lei.