Electric power cost will go down, price will not

ELECTRIC POWER COST WILL GO DOWN, PRICE WILL NOT

Lragir, Armenia
Dec 22 2006

The project of modernization of the Thermal Plant of Yerevan costing
160 million dollars will be complete by the end of the year 2008, and
150-160 grams instead of the present 400 grams of gas will be used to
generate 1 kWh of electric power, said the minister of energy Armen
Movsisyan on December 22. After the reconstruction and modernization
of the fifth generating unit of the Thermal Plant of Hrazdan 250
grams instead of the present 330 grams will be used to generate 1 kWh
of energy. However, the electricity bill will not go down, the
minister broke the news. Part of these projects are implemented on
loans, and these loans need to be repaid.

Armen Movsisyan had also good news. Renewable energy has good
prospects in Armenia. We have 50 mini water power plants, another 50
are under construction, which will generate about 500 million kWh of
electricity, 10 percent of the demand of Armenia.

Armenia, which already has wind mills, will develop this sphere as
well. ~SAn Italian company is likely to set up a 902 megawatt wind
farm in Armenia. It implies an investment of 130 million dollars, it
implies that this sphere is attractive for business,~T Armen Movsisyan
stated.

This is not the end. Armenia, which imports 70 percent of energy
resources, is also trying to develop geothermal energy generation.

There is an arrangement with a company owned by Edwardo Ernekyan, the
owner of the company which manages Zvartnots Airport, to start the
construction of the first plant within the upcoming two years.