In January 2024, the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) received a total of 696 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, 572 were related to electricity supply, including 59 of informational nature. There were 102 appeals regarding natural gas supply, with 12 of them being informational. The Agency received a total of 15 appeals regarding heat supply, while 7 appeals concerned other issues.
Out of the appeals received, 261 were investigated and responded by the Agency, 3 appeals were forwarded to relevant institutions for further consideration and action, and one appeal was jointly resolved with the Ministry of Energy. Currently, 362 appeals are under consideration. Thirty-nine of the 72 informational appeals were expressions of gratitude for resolved issues.
During the reporting period, commissioning certificates were issued for electrical units installed in 5 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 upon completion of construction within the framework of 17 approved projects.
The Agency also considered 17 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 16 cases, whereas in one case, the decision was made to terminate the proceedings.
Additionally, 103 control measures were conducted to assess the technical operation of electrical installations, adherence to safety rules, and electricity usage. One control measure was carried out to evaluate the technical operation of heating installations, safety compliance, and thermal energy usage. Eighty-five 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 266 requests for connecting entrepreneurial facilities to the electrical grid, which were processed by the Agency.
During the reporting period, the professional knowledge of 36 electrotechnician staff and personnel responsible for electrical facilities in 12 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.
