MORE than 1,000 families in Kampong Thom province have protested against high electricity prices by signing a petition that the group’s representatives plan to send to government authorities next week.

Village representatives from Baray district said Tuesday that a series of price increases imposed by the Phsar Rumlong Electricity Company had left them paying up to 1,200 riels (US$0.28) more per kilowatt-hour of electricity than people in the provincial capital.

When contacted Tuesday, the company acknowledged that Baray district was being charged a relatively high price, but said the price of electricity was set by the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, and blamed soaring fuel prices for any increases.

Villagers said their complaint letter will be filed with the ministry, the Kampong Thom provincial governor and the National Assembly.

A representative for the villagers said they are planning to submit the petition next Monday.