President Sargsyan says until the conclusion of audit the government will reimburse the 6.93AMD
«The cancellation of the electricity tariff increase is ultimately dangerous. Therefore, until the conclusion [of the audit] is ready the government will shoulder the whole weight of this price hike»,- said President Serzh Sargsyan at a meeting with those in charge of state economic policies on June 27.
«Of course, we will not pull out the ongoing programs or social expenditures, but will identify other resources among the means allotted for the further strengthening of (energy) security. Certainly, our security issues are far from being solved, to say the least, and yet that environment of suspicion and distrust that we have now, I think is another security issue and a very important one. And that must be solved. And if that conclusion [of the audit] confirms the price increase is well-based, from that moment on the consumers will begin paying with the new tariff without having any suspicions. Should the conclusion confirm the increase had been groundless, the government would take measures to get refunds from the [Electricity] Transmission Grid on the amount surcharged, as well as bring to account those officials that failed on their duties»,- added President Sargsyan, according to the press service of the President.
Sargsyan suggested to invite any international consulting firm that will have a sound reputation and experience in the energy field, engaging representatives of the protesters in that selection process.
The president also didn’t rule out a possibility that the Electricity Transmission Grid is returned to the state ownership with a follow-up transfer for governance to some competent body.