Gas pipe connection charge approved

The Energy Regulator (ANRE) has approved of the charge to connect households to natural gas pipes within localities. It is 2,970 lei, Info-Prim reports. According to ANRE's general director, Vitalie Iurcu, the Agency has included a minimum profit rate into the charge -- 5 %. He believes applying a single tariff will contribute to create a fair legal frame for the population's access to the natural gas pipes. Up to now the connecting firms used to take at least 7,000 lei for their services, ANRE says. It will enter force after being published in Monitorul Oficial (the Official Gazette). According to the respective Regulation, the ANRE tariff will be paid to license holders empowered to operate the connection. There are 26 licensed companies in this area in Moldova. According to preliminary data, 115 million lei will be used to build gas pipes within localities in 2008.