DUSHANBE, December 31, 2008, Asia-Plus -- By government’s resolution passed in early December electricity prices for all electricity consumers, except Tajik Aluminum Company (Talco), will rise 25 percent starting from January 1, 2009, according to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MoEDT).     

The source at a MoEDT said that under conditions of the global financial crisis that has resulted in aluminum price decreasing and for the purpose of supporting aluminum production in the country the government had decided to leave the electricity price for Talco the same – 5.15 dirams per 1 kWh.

We will recall that last rise in electricity prices was introduced in Tajikistan on May 1, 2008, and the current prices are 4.8 dirams for residential customers, 10.95 dirams for industrial enterprises, except Talco, which pays 5.15 dirams per 1 kWh, 8 dirams for federally funded institutions and 27 dirams for commercial enterprises.  It was the second rise in electricity prices this year.  A 20 percent rise in prices for electricity was introduced in the country on January 1, 2008. 

Beginning on January 1, 2008, residential customers will pay 5.00 dirams per one kWh of electricity.  For industrial enterprise, the new electricity price is set at 13.68 dirams and for federally funded institutions it is set at 10 dirams.   

The average electricity tariff in Tajikistan is still one of the lowest electricity in the world.  Local experts say that if Tajikistan fails to raise rates gradually, it will not be possible to recoup the investments Tajikistan is currently making to build hydroelectric power stations and power grids.