Regulator: Electric power market of Armenia will face profound changes in the nearest future

ArmInfo. Electric power market of Armenia will face profound changes in the nearest future, Chief of Tariff Policy Department of Public Services Regulatory Commission Garegin Baghramyan stated at the session of the Commission on September 7. He presented Concept introducing mechanisms on improvement of electric power market of the country.

Baghramyan noted that the matter first of all concerns gradual liberalization of power market by implementation of new tariff policy and normalization of relations between the supplier and consumer of electricity. Relevant steps have already been taken in this direction. Particularly, exclusive right of selling electricity to consumer by one supplier in the name of "Electric Networks of Armenia" has been revised and tariff on services of electricity distribution have been set.

The Concept was developed jointly with the international consultant chosen by USAID. At the same time proposals made by Armenia's Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources were also taken into consideration.

Deputy Energy Minister Areg Galstyan in turn noted that huge work has been conducted; research of the special aspects faced by electricity market was done. Armenia's international obligations are also considered in the Concept, especially the ones to the international financial structures and EEU. According to the Deputy Minister introduction of the Concept will undoubtedly lead to positive results, which will create preconditions for efficient operation of power complex of the country. Mechanisms of distribution and transit of electricity are presented in details in the document. New agency will be established based on "Processing Center" CJSC, which will be more efficient. The provisions related to liberalization of the electricity market are also important. Particularly, the matter concerns the possibility of third party's entrance the market. The Deputy Minister expressed assurance that tariff policy will also be revised in some time. Galstyan expressed hope that all these measures will lead exclude power market monopolization.