In 2023, the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) received a total of 6,765 appeals, both directly and through the Ministry of Energy, concerning consumer rights protection, electricity, thermal energy and natural gas supply, and other related matters. Of these appeals, 5,672 were related to electricity supply, including 568 of informational nature. There were 864 appeals regarding natural gas supply, with 64 of them being informational. Additionally, 103 appeals concerned heat supply, with 7 being informational. The Agency also received 126 appeals regarding other issues, with 8 being informational.
Out of the appeals received, 5,632 were investigated and responded by the Agency (113 appeals were forwarded to relevant institutions for further consideration and action), 14 appeals were jointly resolved with the Ministry of Energy. Currently, 472 appeals are under consideration. Out of the 647 informational appeals, 328 were expressions of gratitude for resolved issues.
During the reporting period, commissioning certificates were issued for electrical units installed in 165 new and reconstructed facilities, as well as in facilities with increased capacity and updated power supply schemes, which had been granted permission for use. Operational clearance was granted for industrial gas facilities upon completion of construction within the framework of 521 approved projects. At the same time, inspection of the technical condition of 21 electricity billing meters took place with participation of representatives from Azerenerji OJSC and Azerishiq OJSC.
The Agency also considered administrative offense cases, falling under its jurisdiction in line with the relevant articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and administrative fines were issued as administrative disciplinary action in 191 cases.
Additionally, 861 control measures were conducted to assess the technical operation of electrical installations, adherence to safety rules and conditions of electricity utilization. Sixty-three control measures were carried out to evaluate the technical operation of heating installations, safety compliance and thermal energy usage. Moreover, 718 control measures were implemented to assess the 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 3,848 requests for connecting entrepreneurial facilities to the electrical grid, which were processed by the Agency.
During the reporting period, AERA assessed the professional knowledge of 709 electrotechnician staff and personnel responsible for electrical facilities in 273 enterprises regarding technical operation rules and safety compliance. Based on inspections, recommendations were provided to enhance knowledge, and methodological assistance was extended to relevant individuals in this regard.
