Regulator turns down administrative complaint lodged by Electric Networks of Armenia contesting extension of its license
YEREVAN, September 17. /ARKA/. On Wednesday, Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) has turned down the administrative complaint filed by the Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) CJSC, challenging the extension of its license for guaranteed electricity supply until February 1, 2029.
The decision to extend this license was made on May 29, 2025. However, on June 10, 2025, ENA filed an appeal against this decision, requesting that it be annulled and that the license be extended for the original duration (which is 6.5 years).
The Commission commenced administrative proceedings, during which it was concluded that the decision was made in accordance with the law.
It is highlighted that, in line with the strategic program adopted by the Armenian government and existing legislation, upon the expiration of the designated period for the guaranteed supplier status, measures outlined in the government-approved program will be adopted and executed to ensure this service across the entire territory of the Republic of Armenia.
The PSRC concluded that the details of the program and the associated actions demonstrate that the license can be extended until February 1, 2029, at the latest. Consequently, the administrative complaint submitted by ENA has been rejected.
Electric Networks of Armenia CJSC operates medium and low-voltage distribution networks, catering to approximately 1 million customers. Since 2016, ENA's owner, Tashir Group, is said to have invested around $680 million in the modernization of the company alone, with an additional $150-200 million allocated for the development of new capacity.
Samvel Karapetyan, President of Tashir Group and owner of ENA, was arrested in Armenia on June 18 for two months on charges of publicly calling for the seizure of power. This happened after Karapetyan, after a meeting with Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, stated that he had always been on the side of the Armenian Church and the Armenian people, and if politicians do not succeed, then "we are ready to participate in all this in our own way." Later, the arrest was again extended for two months.-0-
