Since its foundation, AERA has focused on international cooperation and has done significant work to strengthen bilateral relations with regulatory authorities of a number of countries, regularly exchanging experiences and expertise with them.
To implement regulatory mechanisms in the energy sector in Azerbaijan and bring local legislation into line with international requirements, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Ministry of Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2017 aiming at Support for the Functioning of the Energy Regulatory Agency Project. The project led by international consulting firm has already been implemented in several stages.
As next step, it has built partnership with the Regional Association of Energy Regulators (ERRA).
In April 2018, AERA was elected an associate member of ERRA and established close relations with energy regulators in a number of countries. AERA also works closely with well-known international organizations such as the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and others.
Over the past years, the Agency focused on various of issues as a part of its international cooperation - from studying European experience in energy regulation sphere to adopting best practices into national legislation.
Within the framework of this project a draft law "On regulators in the field of energy and utilities" has been prepared in accordance with international best practice. This law is strategically important for the energy sector of Azerbaijan and is currently being agreed with other government bodies.
In 2020, AERA signed Protocols on Cooperation with energy regulators of Turkey and Bulgaria.
In 2021, Ukraine, Israel and the United Kingdom (Ofgem) laid the foundation for cooperation with the energy regulator. The parties agreed to create a stable regulatory framework in the field of electricity and gas supply, hold seminars, bilateral meetings, trainings, exchange of specialists and experience for the development of regulated markets.
In 2021, AERA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hungarian Energy and Utilities Regulatory Authority, and in April 2023 with the Austrian energy regulatory authority E-Control.
Regional and international organizations cooperating with AERA:
Energy Regulators Regional Association (ERRA)
Energy Union
Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER)
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
