HEC and PSRC Address Frequent Power Outages in Yerevan

In recent days, power outages have become frequent in various neighborhoods of Yerevan, leading to inconveniences for residents. Citizens from different administrative districts of Yerevan have been reporting prolonged power outages in their apartments, expressing dissatisfaction with the inability to receive proper explanations when contacting the relevant authorities.

‘Armenpress’ has attempted to understand the reasons behind the frequent outages, as well as clarify details regarding the efforts being made to resolve the issue.

The Armenian Electric Networks explained that the outages were caused by a recent fire at the ‘Yerevan HPP-1’, which resulted in disruptions to its operations. According to a statement from the press service of the HEC, efforts are ongoing to address the aftermath of the major fire that occurred at ‘Yerevan HPP-1’, owned by the ‘International Energy Corporation’.

“The HPP supplies about 30% of the Central administrative district and 20% of the Arabkir administrative district of Yerevan. As of today, this load has been redistributed among other substations of the Company, and electricity supply is being ensured through alternative schemes using backup cables. Normally, backup cables serve as replacements for main cables in emergency situations. However, without backup supply available, subscribers are experiencing outages, and the timeframes for restoring service following accidents are longer than anticipated. Given the magnitude of the aforementioned accident, our specialists are working around the clock to minimize inconvenience to our subscribers. The Customer Service Information Center's 1-80 hotline is operating under extremely heavy emergency mode, receiving numerous calls, unfortunately, not all of which can be answered. It is also worth mentioning that information about power supply disruptions is available not only through the operator but also through an automated service, for which subscribers need to enter their subscriber card or registered phone number,” the HEC's statement read.

The ‘Armenian Electric Networks’ also added that the ‘International Energy Corporation’, which owns ‘Yerevan HPP-1’, is engaged in eliminating the consequences of the fire. “Once the company completes its work, we will revert to our previously operating electricity supply scheme, and such large-scale issues will no longer occur,” HEC representatives stated, without elaborating on the timeline for resolving the issue.

They have also requested clarification on who and how will compensate subscribers who have suffered damages due to the recent frequent outages. HEC indicated that the distribution network regulations provide for two types of compensation. “In one case, if the power outage in the urban community exceeds 4 hours, and in rural communities, 8 hours, compensation is provided to the customers regardless of any application. In the second case, if any household appliance has malfunctioned due to voltage fluctuation, we either repair it or, if it is beyond repair, provide financial compensation.”

‘Armenpress’ tried to contact the ‘International Energy Corporation’ for further clarifications and to determine the timelines for addressing the issues, but calls went unanswered. The media outlet also received comments from the Public Services Regulatory Commission regarding the situation. The Commission stated that if it is recorded that the recent disruptions in electricity supply have exceeded the designated hours, resulting in violations of regulations without compensation for subscribers, they would pursue further actions. The Commission informed that it is advisable for citizens with complaints to notify the Commission in writing, specifying the location of the issue and the duration of the outage.

“The Public Services Regulatory Commission has also received both verbal and written complaints regarding the recent outages. These complaints are being processed in accordance with established procedures. The applications and complaints are currently under review,” PSRC representatives noted.