Opposition Party Sues Authorities Over Electricity Tax Increase

(Tbilisi, August 18, 2003, Civil Georgia) – National Movement opposition party sued today National Energy Regulatory Commission (NERC) over its decision to increase electricity tax.

From September 1, Tbilisi residents who consume 100 kilowatts of electricity per month have to pay 12.18 Tetri (5.7 Cents) per kilowatt; those who consume from 100 up to 200 kilowatts will pay 13.7 Tetri (6.4 Cents); those consuming from 201 to 400 kilowatts 15.1 Tetri (7 Cents); and residents consuming more than 400 kilowatt will pay 16.8 Tetri (7.8 Cents) per kilowatt of electricity. The current electricity tax in Tbilisi is 12.!
18 Tetri. Justice Ministry approved the NERC’s decision on August 15.

The opposition Labor Party also sued the authorities last week for increase of electricity tax.

President Shevardnadze called the opposition parties intention to obstruct the NERC’s decision “demagogy.” “There is no reason to be worried [over the electricity tax increase],” he added.

Increase of electricity tax is one of the recommendations of the International Monetary Fund.

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