Georgia Raises Electricity Tariffs as Regulator Ends Price Freeze
By Messenger Staff
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Georgia's National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC) approved new electricity tariffs on March 30, ending a three-month freeze and increasing rates for households and businesses.
Household electricity prices will rise by 5 tetri per kilowatt-hour in Tbilisi and across the regions, an increase of 18% to 34% depending on consumption. Commercial tariffs will increase by 4 to 6 tetri, adding to costs for businesses.
GNERC said the decision reflects Georgia's reliance on imported electricity and rising purchase prices. The regulator also cited more than GEL 1.5 billion in planned investment in the national grid to modernize infrastructure, improve reliability, and reduce outages.
"The increased tariff is a precondition for higher investment and greater responsibility on the part of the company. Of course, against the backdrop of increased investment, the benefits that should reach ordinary consumers cannot be realized immediately," said Grigol Mamiseishvili, chairman of the board of Energo-Pro Georgia.
"The increased tariff is a precondition for higher investment and greater responsibility on the company's part. Of course, in the context of increased investment, the benefits that should reach ordinary consumers cannot happen tomorrow. This will be a long and labor-intensive process. We are ready to allocate every GEL properly to improve network components," he said, adding that the company will begin implementing the decision immediately.
The increase has drawn criticism over its impact on living costs, with concerns it could push up prices for essential goods.
"From today, electricity has been made 5 tetri more expensive by Georgian Dream! Along with the general cost burden, this will cause price increases for all products, including bread," said Irakli Kupradze of Lelo - Strong Georgia.
"Such farce, lies, and humiliation as the Georgian Dream price commission has not been seen for a very long time. Georgian Dream equals high prices, Georgian Dream equals poverty, Georgian Dream equals more hungry people, Georgian Dream equals lies," he wrote.
Georgian Dream officials defended the move, pointing to global pressures.
"The Georgian government did everything possible during this period to ensure that electricity tariffs would be favorable for the public," said Gia Volski, First Vice-Speaker of Georgian Dream Parliament.
"The issue of tariffs is a fertile ground for political debates and confrontation. Generally, very difficult processes are happening around the world, and often not only in Georgia, but in much stronger countries, governments are unable to make changes to tariffs," he said.
GNERC had signaled a possible increase in December but kept electricity prices unchanged for three months after consultations with the government. That temporary measure expired with Monday's decision.
