ArmInfo.Until 2020-2021 Armenia will introduce a new, more liberal model of the energy market, which could lead to lower energy tariffs. This was announced on November 21 at a press conference by the acting Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources of Armenia Garegin Baghramyan, presenting the work of his department over the past 6 months.
According to him, during the reporting period, a number of legislative reforms in the energy sector were carried out. In particular, on July 1, 2018, amendments were made to the RA Law "On Energy", which provides for the improvement of the current energy market model. As a result of the reform, Armenia will move from a "one buyer to seller" model to a more liberal model.
The schedule of necessary measures has already been drawn up, which in the period up to 2020-2021. will provide a transition to a more liberal model.
The main innovation of this model is the introduction of the institution of new suppliers into the country's energy system. That is, a competitive field will be created for the implementation of deliveries, for which tariff regulation is not provided. The introduction of the institute of wholesale trade and traders is also expected.
The new model of the market, as pointed out by the Acting Head of the Ministry of Energy, provides for the establishment of mechanisms of mutual responsibility in the chain of producer - supply - consumer. Within the framework of the current model, with any deviation of supply or demand, accumulation occurs in distribution networks, and according to the new model, each link will be responsible for the problems it has created. "As a result of the introduction of a new market model, an increase in cross-border trade is also envisaged, which will create the opportunity to import cheaper electricity and have either a certain reduction in tariff, as a result of a decrease in the wholesale price, or at least containment of the existing tariff," the Minister said