MPs
taking part in last week’s discussion in Parliament on proposals  to allow free use of electricity kept on
saying the mess in the energy price can be cleaned only if pricing followed
market rules. Without citing sources they said most household consumers do not
use more than 150 units in a month and wanted all economic entities to be
listed among those using more than 150 units. They also suggest higher tariff
for the latter while retaining subsidized rates for those using less than 150
units.

Professional organizations, however, say that a common household in ger
districts use almost 150 units. Specialists at the Price and tariff Office under
the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) say charges would have to be raised a lot if
market rules are to be followed. There should be a gradual rise for all from the
present rates of MNT79 and 80 per unit to MNT110 in 2013. An ERB survey also
finds that the final price will have to be more than MNT110.

Higher
electricty prices will certainly lead to many consumer goods getting more
expensive.