Russia may introduce social norms for energy consumption

The Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Economy propose to introduce a social norm for electricity consumption. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak approved the idea and instructed the ministries and the Federal Antimonopoly Service to submit draft regulatory documents by January 15, 2019.

The introduction of the social norm was already discussed in 2013, but today's scheme looks a little more benign, Kommersant writes . The social norm is fixed at 300 kWh per month and is paid at the base rate, consumption over 300 kWh is increased, over 500 kWh is “economically justified”, but the volume is fixed not per person, but per “connection point” i.e. apartment or house. With an average household size of 2.5 people and an average consumption of 220 kWh per month, most households should meet the social norm, experts believe.

For those who need social support, subsidies are expected. But at the same time, a gradual abolition of preferential tariffs for villagers, as well as apartments with electric stoves or electric heating, is possible.