ENA CJSC issues statement regarding queues for connection to   distribution network

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.