In November 2023, the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) received a total of 546 appeals, both directly and through the Ministry of Energy, concerning consumer rights protection, electric and thermal energy supply, natural gas, and other related matters. Of these appeals, 444 were related to electricity supply, including 52 of informational nature. There were 70 appeals regarding natural gas supply, with 5 of them being informational. Additionally, 20 appeals concerned heat supply, with 1 being informational. The Agency also received 12 appeals regarding other issues.

Out of the appeals received, 159 were investigated and responded by the Agency, 13 appeals were forwarded to relevant institutions for further consideration and action, and one appeal was jointly resolved with the Ministry of Energy. Currently, 328 appeals are under consideration. Twenty-five of the 58 informational appeals were expressions of gratitude for resolved issues.

Furthermore, commissioning certificates were issued for electrical units installed in 14 new and reconstructed facilities, as well as in the facilities with increased capacity and updated power supply schemes, which were granted permission for use.

Under 48 agreed projects, operation permissions were issued for industrial gas facilities, the construction of which had been completed. Four administrative offenses were evaluated, and decisions were issued in accordance with the relevant articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which are within the Agency’s jurisdiction.

Additionally, 74 control measures were conducted to assess the technical operation of electrical installations, adherence to safety rules, and electricity usage. Nineteen control measures were carried out to evaluate the technical operation of heating installations, safety compliance, and thermal energy usage. Sixty control measures were implemented to ensure compliance with efficient gas utilization, “Gas Usage Rules”, and the reliable operation of gas facilities, as well as other regulatory acts.

Furthermore, Technical Councils operating in 15 “ASAN Service” centers, 3 “ASAN Kommunal” centers, and 3 SME (small and medium enterprise) houses received 254 requests for connecting entrepreneurial facilities to the electrical grid, which were processed by the Agency.

During the reporting period, the professional knowledge of 79 electrotechnical staff and personnel responsible for electrical facilities in 28 enterprises was assessed regarding technical operation rules and safety. Based on inspections, recommendations were provided to enhance knowledge, and methodological assistance was extended to relevant individuals in this regard.