YEREVAN. – The Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) Company has accumulated a 37 billion-dram (approx. US$77,793,950) debt also as a result of a violation of the law by the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC), and to pay this debt, the price of electricity in the country is increased for a second time, reported Zhamanak daily.

“In addition, information has reached us about another outrageous business deal made between the PSRC and the ENA, according to which, on March 20, a change was made in the PSRC-ENA contract on electricity supply, whereupon the PSRC made payments—for the [electrical] energy it consumed—not to a special deposit account, but to a free account, [and] the ENA could use the money in which at its discretion,” wrote Zhamanak.

Despite numerous protests, the Public Services Regulatory Commission recently increased the price of electricity in Armenia, and this decision will take effect on August 1. The decision, however, is expected to be followed by an increase in the prices of numerous products and services in the country.

On early Tuesday morning, the Yerevan police dispersed the activists protesting against electricity price hike by using water cannon, and they detained many activists and journalists.

On Tuesday evening, however, the sit-in participants marched toward the Office of the President—on Baghramian Avenue—yet again and with a larger crowd, but the police blocked their way again.

But the sit-in continues at Baghramian Avenue, which is closed off, and traffic towards this boulevard is suspended.