In February 2024, the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) received a total of 601 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, 481 were related to electricity supply, including 49 of informational nature. There were 99 appeals regarding natural gas supply, with 12 of them being informational. The Agency received a total of 13 appeals regarding heat supply, with 2 being informational. Meanwhile, 8 appeals concerned other issues.
Out of the appeals received, 241 were investigated and responded by the Agency, 4 appeals were forwarded to relevant institutions for further consideration and action. Currently, 297 appeals are under consideration. Thirty-four of the 63 informational appeals were expressions of gratitude for resolved issues.
During the reporting period, commissioning certificates were issued for electrical units installed in 15 new and reconstructed facilities, as well as in the facilities with increased capacity and updated power supply schemes, which had been granted permission for use. Operational clearance was granted for industrial gas facilities constructed under 27 approved projects. At the same time, inspection of the technical condition of 27 electricity billing meters took place with participation of representatives from Azerenerji OJSC and Azerishiq OJSC.
The Agency also considered 15 administrative offense cases, falling under its jurisdiction in line with the relevant articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Administrative disciplinary actions were taken in 14 cases, and in one case, the decision was made to terminate the proceedings.
Additionally, 96 control measures were conducted to assess the technical operation of electrical installations, adherence to safety rules, and electricity usage. Two control measures were carried out to evaluate the technical operation of heating installations, safety compliance, and thermal energy usage. 79 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 201 requests for connecting entrepreneurial facilities to the electrical grid, which were processed by the Agency.
During the reporting period, the professional knowledge of 67 electrotechnician staff and personnel responsible for electrical facilities in 33 enterprises was assessed regarding technical operation rules and safety, and methodological assistance was extended to relevant individuals in this regard.
