The Garabagh branch of the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) began operations on March 2, 2026, at the “Khankendi” Business Center in the city of Khankendi. The branch’s operational area covers the cities of Shusha and Khankendi, as well as the districts of Aghdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Khojavand, Khojaly, Zangilan, Gubadli, and Lachin.

Previously, the cities and districts liberated from occupation fell within the operational areas of AERA’s Ganja, Mingachevir, and Imishli branches. The Kalbajar district was within the operational area of the Ganja branch; the Aghdam and Aghdara districts were covered by the Mingachevir branch; and the cities of Shusha and Khankendi, together with the districts of Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Khojavand, Khojaly, Zangilan, Gubadli, and Lachin, were within the operational area of the Imishli branch.

As of March 2, 2026, the Imishli branch has been liquidated, and several changes have been made to the operational areas of other branches. The Ismayilli district has been transferred from the Kurdamir branch to the Sheki branch, while the Saatli district has moved from the Imishli branch to the Shirvan branch. The Aghdam district has been reassigned from the Mingachevir branch to the Garabagh branch. In addition, the Aghjabadi district has been transferred from the Imishli branch, and the Ujar district from the Kurdamir branch, to the Mingachevir branch. The Imishli and Beylagan districts have also been reassigned from the Imishli branch to the Kurdamir branch.

The opening of the branch in the city of Khankendi reflects the return to Garabagh, supports the restoration of livelihoods for citizens returning to the liberated territories, and contributes to stability and development in the region.