The article explores the problems of pricing and tariffs for electric energy. Particular attention is paid to state policy in the field of tariff regulation in the context of a serious transformation of the global economy. The state continues to consistently pursue a policy of containing tariffs, expanding the range and improving the quality of services of regulated companies, including services in the field of energy efficiency and energy conservation, development of distributed generation. The authors focus on problems of non-transparency of regulation, cases of unjustified understatement and overstatement of tariffs, high spread of tariffs, and imperfection of the regulatory framework in the field of tariff formation. To solve the above problems, a full-scale modernization of electric power facilities is required, the replacement of economically inefficient obsolete equipment with innovative equipment that supports the principle of smart energy systems.