Discussion on the 200 Dram Tariff Variant: Water Rates Unchanged for Vulnerable Consumer Groups

In Armenia, plans are underway to modify the water tariff for consumers starting January 1, 2022. The option to set a stable price of 200 drams for the next 10 years is being discussed, instead of the current 180 drams. Meanwhile, it is planned that water prices for socially vulnerable consumer groups will remain unchanged.

This statement was made by Garegin Baghramyan, the head of the Public Services Regulatory Commission, during a conversation with journalists in the parliament.

Previously, "Veolia Jur" submitted a proposal to raise the water tariff by approximately 43 drams, making it around 223 drams. The commission is finalizing discussions with the Water Committee and "Veolia" for an agreement, which stipulates no changes in the rates for the next 10 years.

"In other words, we will have a tariff around 200 drams. At the same time, a government decision is being proposed to distinguish a group of socially vulnerable consumers for whom the price will not increase," Baghramyan added.

A commission meeting on this issue will take place at the end of November, with potential changes to the tariffs set to come into effect on January 1. Thus, the tariff for socially vulnerable consumer groups will not rise, while discussions are ongoing regarding the general pricing at the proposed 200 dram level.