Russia may hike power prices after accident-sources

MOSCOW, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Russia may hike electricity prices by more than the previously planned 5 percent in a move which could help the sector recover from an accident at a key power station, sources said on Tuesday.

More than 70 people were killed after a turbine room flooded at Russia's largest hydro-power station last month, causing billions of roubles of damage that could take years to repair.

Three government sources told Reuters that next year regulated power prices for industrial consumers could be increased by more than the originally planned 5 percent.

The issue was raised at the Economy Ministry last week and an increase of 6-7 percent was discussed, one source said, adding that there is as yet no final decision on the issue.

The changes in tariffs were being considered after the dam accident at the Sayano-Shushenskaya power station in Siberia which is run by state-controlled RusHydro (HYDR.MM), a second source said. [ID:nLI52532]

The power companies want prices to be raised by more than 7 percent, according to the third source.

The Energy Ministry declined to comment on the issue. (Reporting by Anastasia Lyrchikova; Writing by Toni Vorobyova; Editing by Keiron Henderson