RusAl calls for price link

Russian Aluminium on Monday urged state-run utility Unified Energy Systems to link electricity prices for the metals maker to the London price of aluminium, seeking a cushion against rising costs as the country prepares to deregulate its power industry.

The aluminium producer wants to secure long-term power contracts with UES, said Vera Kurochkina, spokeswoman for RusAl.

UES's board will decide on Rusal's proposal Jan. 26, said a spokesman for the utility who declined to be identified.