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“As a whole, I am not in favor of compensation and subsidizing, but there is a social problem here, not to mention the fact that it concerns small businesses as well,” Armenian Justice Minister Karen Chshmarityan told reporters following the government session today as he commented on Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan’s announcement about subsidies for the raised electricity tariff until August 1, 2016. 
As was reported, at the government session today Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan said the Armenian authorities requested President of Tashir Group Samvel Karapetyan to purchase ENA Company from Inter RAO.   On Thursday, Public Services Regulatory Commission of Armenia gave consent for the sale of 100% of shares of ENA Company. “Tashir Group President Samvel Karapetyan expressed a readiness to provide his personal funds so as, on a parity basis with the government of Armenia, compensate the difference due to the tariff rise for citizens using up to 250 kWh a month and small businesses until August 1, 2016,” the PM said.

The economy minister said he was not informed of details of the subsidy system.

When asked whether he considers the validity of tariffs more important than subsidizing, Chshmarityan said he does not doubt the report of Deilotte & Touche consulting firm that considered as justified the decision of Armenia’s  Public Services Regulatory Commission to raise electricity tariffs in Armenia.

“I don’t question the conclusion of Deloitte & Touche, which is one of the world’s 4 companies that take a professional approach to issues. I advise you to believe them - it is a highly professional company,” he noted.

New power tariffs took effect in Armenia on August 1, 2015. Prior to that, daytime and night-time electricity tariffs for population were 41.85 drams and 31.85 drams per kWh, respectively. On June 17 Pubic Services Regulatory Commission partly granted the application of Electric Networks of Armenia to raise electricity tariffs. The tariffs rose by 6.93 drams, not 17 drams.