The Russian Embassy assessed the risk of electricity price growth due to Latvia's withdrawal from BRELL

"Energy independence" may turn out to be an "expensive toy" for low-income groups in Latvia. The Russian Embassy in Riga told Izvestia.

At the edge of the world: the Baltic states are leaving the energy system united with Russia

Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius are preparing for large-scale blackouts

In a number of cities of the republic it is planned to temporarily shut down traffic lights, residents are offered to de-energize "sensitive" electrical equipment and stock up on food and water for several days, the Russian embassy said.

"And these are only possible technical difficulties so far. The next subject of concern is the new prices for electricity supply. There is more speculation of various kinds here so far. But the fact that they will rise is recognized by everyone. So the so-called "energy independence" may turn out to be an "expensive toy" for the population, especially for low-income groups," the diplomats said.

February 8, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania plan to synchronously disconnect from the BRELL energy ring, which includes Russia and Belarus. In the evening of February 9, the Baltic system will connect to the European ENTSO-E through the air line Poland-Lithuania.

Read more in Izvestia's exclusive piece:

System error: the Baltics will face rising electricity prices