Armenia
The Armenia Program consisted
of the following partnerships:
and
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
1997-2001
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
1999-2001
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.
- 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.
