ArmInfo. As of September 9 of this year, the total number of applications submitted by individuals and legal entities for connection to the distribution network of the electricity supply of Electric Networks of Armenia CJSC (ENA) is 5,591. Of these, connection agreements were concluded with 3,317 applicants, while in 1,568 cases, violations of the terms of the agreement were recorded, the company's press service reports. It is noted that as a result of a comprehensive analysis and research conducted on behalf of the interim manager of ENA CJSC Romanos Petrosyan, it was established that out of the 3,317 connection agreements concluded with applicants wishing to become new subscribers, violations of the terms set in the agreement related to the connection procedure were recorded in about half of the cases, namely 1,568. Moreover, in most cases, these violations are not related to the obligations of the applicants themselves.
"The main reasons for these violations are not only the traditionally unsystematic work of individual divisions of ENA, but also the fact that large-scale work to ensure new connections was habitually completely transferred to several "privileged" construction and design organizations. These companies, which occupied a monopoly position in various areas of ESA's activity for many years, led to significant delays in the implementation of a large volume of work," the statement says. Additionally, as noted by the company, delays in connection times are affected by numerous objective and subjective reasons related to the activities of local governments, particularly, slow processes of approval and issuance of permits, as well as an incompetent and uncoordinated approach on the ground.
On behalf of the interim manager of the ENA CJSC, the relevant divisions of the technical department of the company are working intensively with contractors to speed up the execution of work stipulated by current contracts. Simultaneously, simplified procedures are being developed aimed at making the process of submitting and processing applications for connection more convenient and accessible.
After the completion of the execution of current contracts for the performance of connection work, it is planned to conduct inclusive, open and transparent tender procedures to attract more companies to perform this work. This will allow, in a more competitive and controlled environment, to ensure the connection of new subscribers in a short time frame and eliminate such delays, as well as get rid of vicious practices that create additional inconveniences for individuals and legal entities. "The Electric Networks of Armenia CJSC is taking all necessary measures to radically correct the situation in the shortest possible time and offer effective and timely solutions to the existing issues," the statement reads.
