Romanos Petrosyan, the interim head of Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA), stated that alongside two commissions investigating last month's Vardashen substation accident, a new working group has been formed to inspect 322 ENA-operated 110/35 kV substations across Armenia. The aim is to identify both urgent and mid-term infrastructure needs.
Petrosyan stated that the initial inspection results are troubling. “Most substations are worn down, structurally unsound, and outdated,” he said.
So far, the working group has visited 222 substations, compiling an inventory of existing problems. The remaining 100 substations will be inspected over the next 10–12 days.
“The picture revealed by these inspections, I say with regret, is far from promising. We’ve essentially opened a new ‘Pandora’s box.’ The extent of wear and tear demands enormous work and astronomical funding to upgrade this infrastructure. But this must be done in the shortest time possible to ensure the country avoids any potential energy crisis due to the declining state of the distribution network,” he wrote.
On July 18, Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) announced that Romanos Petrosyan, formerly with the State Oversight Service, was appointed interim manager of ENA. The PSRC launched a proceeding based on a government report.
The regulator also revoked the operating license of Tashir Capital, previously managing ENA. Following the license termination, the PSRC will negotiate property transfer terms with the company’s board over the next three months. If no agreement is reached, the state may claim ownership on the grounds of public interest.
