In March 2024, the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) received a total of 473 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, 391 were related to electricity supply, including 53 of informational nature. There were 59 appeals regarding natural gas supply, with 5 of them being informational. The Agency received a total of 14 appeals regarding heat supply. Meanwhile, 9 appeals concerned other issues, with 4 of them being informational.
Out of the appeals received, 138 were investigated and responded by the Agency, 5 appeals were forwarded to relevant institutions for further consideration and action, and 1 appeal was executed jointly with the Ministry of Energy. Currently, 272 appeals are under consideration. Twenty-seven of the 62 informational appeals were expressions of gratitude for resolved issues.
During the reporting period, commissioning certificates were issued for electrical units installed in 9 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 16 approved projects. At the same time, inspection of the technical condition of 23 electricity billing meters took place with participation of representatives from Azerenerji OJSC and Azerishiq OJSC.
Ten administrative offense cases were considered in line with the relevant articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan, falling under the Agency’s competence, and decisions on administrative disciplinary actions were issued.
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 180 requests for connecting entrepreneurial facilities to the electrical grid, which were processed by the Agency.
During the reporting period, the professional knowledge of 40 electrotechnician staff and personnel responsible for electrical facilities in 19 enterprises was assessed regarding technical operation rules and safety, and methodological assistance was extended to relevant individuals in this regard.
