United States Energy Association

Armenia

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The EIPP currently manages the following partnerships:

Kentucky Public Service Commission – Frankfort, KY
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission- Harrisburg, PA
Armenian Public Service Regulatory Commission – Yerevan, Armenia

Delta Natural Gas – Winchester, KY
Armrosgasprom – Yerevan, Armenia

USEA Contact: Anthony Bitonti, Senior Program Coordinator

Kentucky Public Service Commission – Frankfort, KY
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Harrisburg, PA
Armenian National Energy Commission – Yerevan, Armenia
Partnership Type: Utility Regulatory Commission
1997-Present

Focus Areas:

Management Audits
Rate design
Public participation
Customer service standards
Consumer complaint resolution

Partnership Results:

    The Kentucky Public Service Commission (KYPSC) has been working extensively with the Armenian Energy Regulatory Commission (AERC) to develop codes and standards for commission staff and commissioners. These codes and standards include the idea of the commission to be transparent and open to the general public along with the relationship the commission has with the utilities they regulate.

    KYPSC has worked closely with the AERC to develop a customer service department, which handles customer complaints via telephone. The AERC has also developed a half hour talk show to address commission rulings and customer complaints.

    Report by Armenian Energy Commission concerning Rules for Supply and Use of Electric Power. The report outlines the rules, regulations, and requirements for an electric service agreement between the utility and their customers. It also reviews installation of meters along with the billing and payment requirements and the procedures a customer must follow if termination of service occurs.

    Based on the partnership between the KYPSC and the Armenian ERC the Armenians developed rules and procedures for line extension for electric service to residential customers along with connection policies.

    With the help of the Kentucky Public Service Commission the Armenian Regulatory Commission was able to develop a tariff methodology for natural gas. This methodology is taken word for word from that of the KYPSC.

   In 2002 the Armenian Energy Regulatory Commission was responsible for developing the Armenian Energy Law. The Armenians were able to accomplish this mission using information they gained from the Kentucky PSC. Also included in the Energy Law was the ethics codes for the AERC commissioners and staff.

    With the help of the KYPSC the AERC was able to develop and improve their customer service department. This topic was covered three times and included the public's participation in the formal hearing process and consumer education program.

    The Armenian Energy Regulatory Commission implementation process by Chairman Vardan Movsesyan was based on the partnership with the Kentucky Public Service Commission. The methodology and the development of two-part tariffs (energy and demand) designed concepts were introduced specifically from the East Kentucky Power Cooperative rate case activity and are used in great extent at the Armenian Commission.

Delta Natural Gas – Winchester, KY
Armrosgasprom – Yerevan, Armenia
Partnership Type: Natural Gas Distribution
1999-Present

Focus Area:

Promotion of natural gas usage as more efficient and environmentally friendly fuel

Partnership Results:

    Based on the partnership between Yerevangaz / Armrusgazprom and Delta Natural Gas, the Armenians have established a facility to service and inspect gas meters. This facility has significantly reduced the level of gas losses within the distribution system. They also calibrate and repair meters for residential, commercial, and industrial customers

    Through the partnership Yerevangaz has introduced a new computer program called "Gas 2001" which makes it possible to obtain precise information at levels ranging from system sections to residential customers regarding their gas usage, payments, accounts prepayments and payments in arrears. It also contains complete customer information regarding all forms of payments by mail, bank draft, or cash. Based on information provided by this software Yerevangaz determines if a customer should be disconnected.

    Procurement of 100,000 gas meter seals for Yerevangaz, purchased by Delta Natural Gas. These seals are color-coated and perform two tasks. First they help prevent theft of service, and secondly, they help identify consumers who tamper with their gas service. Once the consumer is given a red seal and if a meter reader identifies it has been tampered with, the consumer's service is terminated.

    Delta Natural Gas has offered assistance that resulted in the creation of Yerevangaz's customer service division based on Delta's public relations department. This department takes complaint calls from customers.

    Through the partnership program Yerevangaz has implemented a new paper billing invoice, based on the type of invoice Delta sends to their customers.

    USEA has assisted the Armenian gas industry in the development of a Natural Gas library consisting of how to manuals, plastic pipe information, and safety codes and standards.