“SPRK approves new electricity system service tariffs for AS Sadales tīkls and AS Augstsprieguma tīkls”

The Public Services Regulatory Commission (SPRK) has approved new electricity system service tariffs for AS “Sadales tīkls” and AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls”. In the course of the evaluation, the costs included in the tariffs have significantly decreased, however, they are higher for both operators than those included in the current tariff.

Accordingly, the new tariffs will have an impact on all users – both households and companies. The new tariffs of both operators will enter into force on July 1, PUK informs.

“Since the moment of submitting the tariff drafts – last fall – we have worked intensively on cost evaluation, regularly requesting both operators to provide supporting documents and clarifying information. Although the prices of energy resources have stabilized on the market, the geopolitical situation has had consequences for the entire economy as a whole, for example, overall price increase in the country. No company in the national economy sector has been able to avoid the overall cost increase, including system operators whose tariffs had not been changed for several years. For example, in the case of AS “Sadales tīkls”, the tariff increased for the last time in 2016. In cooperation with the parties involved the best possible solution has been achieved, minimizing the negative impact on households and companies as much as possible,” explains Alda Ozola, chairman of PUK.

The main influencing factors for the tariff increase of AS “Sadales tīkls” has been the price of electricity on the market, for which the operator purchased electricity for the technological consumption of AS “Sadales tīkls” and system maintenance. The increase in the tariff of AS “Sadales tīkls” was influenced by the increase in the service costs of AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls”, as well as the general increase in prices in the country and the decrease in electricity consumption in Latvia under the influence of geopolitical and social conditions.

The impact of the new AS “Sadales tīkls” tariffs on households will be different. It will depend on the connection parameters and consumption.

For apartment owners who have a 1F connection and consumption is 100 kWh per month, the monthly bill will increase by 5-7 euros on average (without VAT). An equally large increase is expected for the owners of private houses with 1F connection and a monthly consumption of 125 kWh. On the other hand, the increase in the electricity bill for owners of private houses with a 3F connection will be different, which will be affected by the selected load. For a 3F connection (16A or 20A), the expected bill increase is around 12-15 euros (without VAT), and for a 3F connection with 25A and more – around 18 euros and more (without VAT).

To find out exactly the upcoming bill changes can be used AS “Sadales tīkls” tariff calculator.

All users (households and legal entities) will have access to two types of tariffs – “Basic” and “Special” tariff is suitable for users who consume electricity regularly. The “special” tariff is suitable for those users whose consumption in the facility is very low or irregular. For example, summer houses or businesses with a seasonal commercial nature.

Transition to the “Basic” tariff for all users from this year. July 1 will happen automatically. If the user wants to use the “Special” tariff, it will be possible to change it free of charge on the customer portal of JSC “Sadales tīkls” “www.e-st.lv” or at your electricity dealer. The user can switch between tariff plans up to 12 times during the year (once a month).