Yerevan fined “Electric Networks of Armenia”, because of which mass protests began

“Electric Networks of Armenia”, which are owned by a Russian company, were fined 126 000 dollars. As stated by the Armenian authorities, the reason for this is a violation of consumer rights.

The decision of July 8 appeared after several weeks of protests in Yerevan and other Armenian cities against plans to raise electricity tariffs in the country by about 17% from August 1.

As explained in the Public Services Regulatory Commission of Armenia, such a decision is connected with the requirements of “Electric Networks of Armenia”, which charged advance payments from residents of newly built houses that needed connection to the power grid.

Protests in Yerevan started in mid june. Last Saturday, the protesters said: if the authorities do not fulfill their demands by Monday evening - do not punish those responsible for the dispersal of protesters on June 23 and do not cancel the decision to increase electricity tariffs - they will begin to move towards the presidential administration.

6 July police of Yerevan dismantled the barricadesestablished by the participants of the protest action against the increase in electricity tariffs and resumed traffic on Baghramyan Avenue. However, in the evening, the protesters gathered again at Freedom Square.

The authorities agreed to conduct an audit in the Electric Networks of Armenia company to find out how justified the increase in electricity prices are. At the time of the check, which is expected to take from three months to six months, the tariffs will be frozen.