Power tariff hike delayed

Power tariff hike delayed

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro
Mangksubroto has delayed for an unspecified amount of time the
planned hike in power prices, which was scheduled for this month.

Ministry spokesman Budhi Sulistyo said on Friday that the
action was taken in view of the economic difficulties faced by
the public during the economic crisis.

The government, however, will raise by 20 percent the price of
power for luxury houses, starting with next month's bills.

The government was aware that the action would affect state
electricity company Perusahaan Listrik Negara's ability to
provide power to the public, Budhi said.

But the government will continue supporting the company with
subsidies.

"However, the subsidies will be systematically and gradually
phased out so that the government can allocate the money to other
sectors which are more in need of it," Budhi said. (jsk)