Energy regulator head: country “completely prepared” for winter season, electricity, natural gas price increase not expected

David Narmania, the head of the Georgian national energy and water supply regulatory commission, on Thursday said the country was “completely prepared” for the winter season and energy bills were not expected to increase.

In his remarks over the matter, Narmania noted no increase in tariffs was expected in the country’s electricity sector, and while gas tariffs were set to be determined in December, increases were not likely either.

Due to the fact that we have a long-term agreement with Azerbaijan on natural gas supply, supply prices will be unchanged. Ninety percent of our natural gas comes from Azerbaijan”, Narmania said.

The energy regulator head also commented on the state of affairs in the electricity sector, pointing out that production had increased by almost 10 percent this year compared to the same period of 2021.

“The autumn and winter period is one of deficit for us, and Georgia has to import electricity from neighbouring countries. The September deficit was covered by the electricity imported from Azerbaijan. We do not import [electricity] from Russia because we do not need it”, he explained.

As for natural gas, it is imported [from Russia] in a small volume to balance the system - that is, based on technical needs. More than 90 percent [of natural gas] is still imported from Azerbaijan every year”, he continued.

Narmania said the deal with Azerbaijan meant there was “no threat” to gas supply, either in terms of physical volume or price increase.