OREANDA-NEWS. August 06, 2008. The Board of the Federal Tax Service has approved maximum electricity tariffs hikes for 2009 for end users in Russian regions.

According to a participant of the meeting, aggregate tariff hike in Russia will reach 19% in line with the forecast of Russia's social and economic development.

"Growth rates differ in the various regions within the range of 10-25%". Specifically, electricity tariffs for households in Moscow will rise by an average 26%. The Federal Tariff Service has not yet carved up a "tariff pie" among generators, power grids and retail companies.

The distribution will be made in October. Distribution grids are expected to benefit from the highest tariff hikes. "The focus will be on power grids and distribution grid companies", the source said.