OREANDA-NEWS. March 12, 2010. Dmitry Medvedev gave Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak a 10-day deadline for investigating the causes behind the sharp increase in utilities payments in a number of Russian cities.
 

During a working meeting with Mr Kozak, the President asked the deputy prime minister to carry out an audit in the municipalities where housing and utilities sector rates have increased, assess how justified these increases are, and discuss the situation with regional governors.

In cases where it is established that rates were raised without justification, the heads of the regions and municipalities concerned must act to reduce them.

Mr Medvedev said that not only the Federal Tariff Service, but also other agencies, in particular the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service and Prosecutor General’s Office should be involved in monitoring the situation in this area.