Narmania to head GNERC?

Chairperson of the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC), Irina Milorava spoke about the protection of consumers’ rights in the field of energy and water supply at the presentation of the commission’s activity report of 2013-2019.

According to the decision of the GNERC, the amount written off for the citizens in 2013-2019 July, exceeded 16 million Gels, while the sum of compensations, paid to citizens due to the companies’ violations of the quality of service standards developed by GNERC amounted over 5 million Gels.

According to Milorava, a number of projects have been implemented to improve the quality of service in the electricity, natural gas and water supply sectors and to protect consumer rights, in particular: “Service Quality Rules” have been introduced for all three sectors, an electronic monitoring system has been introduced as well; The "mystical user" project has begun; An interactive user portal has been developed; In order to simplify services for citizens, projects have been implemented with various agencies; The procedural rules for dealing with disputes between citizens and companies were approved,”-explained chairwoman.

Chairwoman of the commission stressed out the significance of her goals such as ensuring transparency in the commission’s activities and raising trust. In achieving this, as she noted, the role of media was very important – Milorava thanked media reps for cooperation.

According to Milorava, the term of her leadership in GNERC expires on September 16. Without mentioning further details, she noted, that she will not be continuing work at the commission. Milorava said, she is not aware of who will be nominated for the post by the Georgian government, yet noted that next chairperson will have work with an extraordinary team in a very exciting period, since, in terms of reforms it’s a very interesting time in the field of energy. Milorava wished success to her inheritor.

Former Tbilisi Mayor Davit Narmania has been a member of GNERC since 2017, may become chairman of the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC).

Narmania neither confirmed nor denied this information with the media yesterday. He also explained the procedures for nominating a new chairman: “I cannot confirm or deny it. As you know, there are proper and not so simple procedures to be followed. First, the government must present the candidate, then the president’s consent and parliament’s decision are required. Let’s see.”

Asked whether he had an offer, Narmania says there will be consultations on that matter and he expects this issue to be discussed.

Under the current law, the president will nominate the candidacy of GNERC chairman to the Georgian government, and if agreed, the case will be sent to parliament for approval.