Azerbaijani Energy Ministry launches new fines on gas consumption

"The amendments have already begun to be applied. In particular, the fines are already imposed on 20-25 operating gas offices across the country. They have time to decide their minor violations," Zeynalov said.

The changes are still more applicable to gas exploitation management, because they bear a heavy responsibility for violations. These changes are still not applied to the population and private sector, which is under control however.

The management at the initial stage must trying to solve the problem of violations on gas consumption and gas facilities not through rigid measures, but through notifying and warnings, giving time and opportunity to consumers and offices to solve their violations. "We give them the opportunity to bring their affairs in order. Fines are applied only in cases of major violations of gas consumption," Zeynalov said.

Existing problems cannot be removed only through fines, consumers should understand the responsibility for violations, Zeynalov said.

Increase in fines will have positive results and reduce the number of violations.

Earlier, Parliament approved changes to Article 116 "Violations of legislation requirements in the sphere of gas, heat and power" of the Administrative Code of Azerbaijan. If the earlier paper included only fines for violations in the field of thermal and electric energy, after the changes, these penalties have been applied in gas consumption. Also, under the changes, the amount of fines has grown considerably.

In accordance with the administrative violations in the sphere of gas, heat and electricity, the sum of fines is 200 and 500 manats for individuals, -1,000-1,500 manats for officials and 2,500-3,000 manats for legal entities.

The peculiarity of this article is that the administrative violations in this area, as well as sanctions for violations are not only for consumers but also for legal entities and officials working in the gas sphere. The article includes fines for violations of rules in the process of designing, constructing and putting into operation of the gas facilities . Fines are assumed also for violation of state and industry standards for gas, which is a prerequisite for improving the
quality of the gas in the future. The Gas Public Control Office is also planning to strengthen its supervision in this area.

/Trend Capital/