Electric Networks of Armenia to Compensate Consumers for Frequent Power Outages

Starting in 2025, the Electric Networks of Armenia will begin compensating consumers not only for excessively long outages but also for frequent disconnections. This decision was made during today's meeting of the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC).

Under the new rules, electricity providers will be required to pay fines to urban subscribers who experience more than 10 outages per month, and to rural subscribers for more than 15 outages, regardless of the duration or reasons for the disconnections.

The fine will amount to 50% of the average monthly electricity bill for each affected subscriber, but will not exceed 2,500 dram, according to Haik Ghosalmyan, head of the Financial and Technical Department at the PSRC, in a conversation with Sputnik Armenia.

Currently, the 2,500 dram fine applies only for exceeding the permissible duration of outages, rather than for frequent disconnections. The permissible duration for outages is up to 4 hours in cities and 8 hours in rural areas, with an annual cumulative limit of 24 hours in cities and 72 hours in rural areas.

A new maximum frequency for monthly outages was established due to numerous complaints from consumers. Additionally, it has been stipulated that if emergency outages exceed any of the stated norms more than twice, the maximum fine will be increased to up to 3,500 dram,” Ghosalmyan emphasized.

The new requirements will come into effect on January 1, 2025.