Nazaryan’s statements surprise both oppositionists and HHK deputies

At electricity tariff review-related hearing which was initiated by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, Chairman of Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) Robert Nazaryan today made a statement that surprised not only oppositionists present, but also members of the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK).

In particular, according to PSRC chairman, the rise in electricity tariffs from August 1 is not only reasonable, but will also lead to an increase in power use.

HHK deputy Hakob Hakobyan, without trying to conceal his astonishment, said: “So let’s raise the power tariff by 8 drams instead of 3.8 drams”.

He said he does not see the logic, according to which power use will grow after the tariff increase.

Nazaryan, however, did not respond to the deputy, noting that ‘there was irony in the statement”.

HHK deputy Vardan Aivazyan also expressed his surprise at the statement of PSRC chairman.

“Economic growth declined, people are emigrating from the country, while you raise the tariff, stating at the same time that power use will increase,” he noted.

Robert Nazaryan replied that PSRC has taken into account the forecasts that new enterprises will open, but his answer did not satisfy anyone.