The first meeting in the framework of the 2nd phase of the EBRD-assisted Support for the Functioning of the Energy Regulatory Agency Project took place at the AERA head office on the 24-25th February, 2020. The two-day meeting was held with participation of the AERA Executive Board Chairman Mr. Samir Akhundov, the Deputy Chairman Mr. Rovshan Ismayilov, AERA employees, the representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the EBRD Analyst on energy Mr. Maxim Meftah, the DNV GL Adviser Mrs. Ilka Lewington and other experts. The AERA Executive Board Chairman Mr. Akhundov and the EBRD Analyst on energy Mr. Meftah welcomed the participants with opening remarks.

Then, the DNV GL Adviser Mrs. Lewington provided brief information on the Project. While talking about purposes and objectives of the 2nd phase of the Project, working parties, timeline and documentation Mrs. Lewington said that the Project will focus on the Agency's capacity building, the draft Law ‘On the Regulator’, as well as the regulatory framework. International experts will continue to provide AERA specialists with technical and legal support in licensing in the field of energy, electricity market monitoring procedures, dispute resolution mechanisms between regulating sides, improving human resources potential and trainings.   

It should be noted that the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development agreed to get started the 2nd phase of the Support for the Functioning of the Energy Regulatory Agency Project in February, 2020. The 2nd phase of the Project will also be implemented by the DNV GL. The 1st phase of the Support for the Functioning of the Energy Regulatory Agency Project was completed in November, 2019.