afrinpost – Exclusive
In response to the backlash over increased electricity prices, the Turkish Electricity Company in Afrin has shuttered its doors, with its director and most officials fleeing to Turkey. This comes after protesters in towns such as Azaz, Mare’, al-Bab, and the villages of al-Ra’i and Akhtarin in northern Aleppo closed down buildings of the Turkish Electricity Company (AK Energy) and expelled staff members. The demonstration expressed dissatisfaction with the price hikes, given the prevailing dire living conditions for residents.
On August 19th, the company raised electricity prices. Domestic consumption rates were increased from 3.20 Turkish liras per kilowatt-hour to 4.75 Turkish liras, marking a 48.4% rise. For industrial and commercial consumption, rates went from 5 to 5.75 Turkish liras, an increase of 15%, affecting towns including al-Bab, Jarabulus, Azaz, Mare’, Afrin, al-Ra’i, Akhtarin, al-Ghandoura, Bza’ah, Qabasin, Tell Abyad, and Ras al-Ayn.
Earlier on August 17th, members of the Military Police militia assaulted demonstrators who gathered in protest against the continuous power cuts and the rise in bread and electricity prices. The prolonged power outages and the general precarious living conditions led to protests outside the local council building in the occupied village of Suraan.
“Ak Energy” company is owned by Syrian Ibrahim Khalil in partnership with three Turkish individuals. The company, established in Kilis, Turkey, began operations on June 1, 2017, under the license number “9123455” granted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Gaziantep, Turkey
