ANRE modifies regulations on extension of energy supply networks

Operators of electricity an gas supply networks will cover all the expenses of extension if new localities, sectors, mini-districts or industrial zones appear. These are the stipulations of two draft norms discussed during a public meeting of the National Energy Regulatory Agency, Info-Prim Neo reports. ANRE will take into account these expenses when calculating tariffs for consumers, but only if the extensions follow the stipulations of current legislation. The investment plan for the next year for extending the supply networks is approved by ANRE for each operator separately. They are obliged to publish the investment plan, mentioning the localities where extensions are planned, on their website (or the provider's). If final consumers, the local public administration or companies are willing to allot additional funds for speeding up the works, a contract must be signed. It will stipulate the alloted sum and the terms and conditions of reimbursement of money by the network operator. According to Victor Parlicov, ANRE general director, the new edition of regulations will help solving the problems that occur between final consumers, the public administration and supply networks operators in the process of network extension. The request for extending the electricity or gas supply network must be presented by local public administration authorities, by an association or an investor at the local office of the network operator authorized in the region. The deadline for putting into use the new networks is set by operators according to the amount of needed work and the necessary time for construction. Nicolae Mogoreanu, head of the Association of Electricity Consumers, asked for more details about the reimbursement of funds paid by consumers to operators for network extensions. Several representatives of operators referred to problems created by public authorities in some regions: delaying the issuing of papers or the lack of coordination if the extension is done in two territorial-administrative units. ANRE promised to amend the Regulation on the extension of electricity supply networks and the Regulation on the extension of natural gas supply networks considering the voiced proposals. These amendments will be approved next week.