Economy minister very critical of Eesti Energia
27.09.2012, 12:19“The way how Eesti Energia informed the public about its new prices is, strictly speaking, irritating. A company that is a former monopoly should not treat its customers as they were inanimate objects,” said economy minister Juhan Parts who supervises the electricity sector including Eesti Energia, writes Eesti Päevaleht.
Parts said that he expected the company to explain to the customers about the formation of new tariffs in the liberalised electricity market.
“I suggest that people do not rush and wait also for prices and offers of other electricity traders because there will be more companies on the market and real competition,” said the minister, hinting that he recommends households to choose a different provider.
Margus Rink, board member of Eesti Energia, said that he found Parts’ criticism surprising. “I think that our communication has been open and honest,” said Rink.
Eesti Energia announced this week that its electricity tariffs will go up by more than 50% from January. Moreover, the customer who wants to change the electricity provider will be fined for 20% of the remaining agreed consumption.