We are obliged to protect the interests of Armenian consumers – Pashinyan on nationalization of ENA

The Armenian government is obliged to preserve and protect the interests of Armenian consumers, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a press conference on Wednesday, while addressing the operation of the Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA), the country’s electric utility.

He noted that despite numerous appeals, requests, and warnings from both the public and the government, the company has failed to take appropriate steps to eliminate existing problems and mismanagement.

Speaking about its future operation, the Prime Minister said the government’s task is to take over the management of ENA and conduct a thorough assessment of the current situation as well as past developments within the company.

According to Pashinyan, public dissatisfaction with ENA’s operations is not new, as citizens have long voiced complaints regarding its operation.

"Our goal is as follows: at this stage, we are taking over the management of ENA, but we have not stated that the state will always remain the manager of Armenia's energy networks after the nationalization or buyback process. We are considering outsourcing. Our goal is to find the most effective manager while ensuring strong public and state oversight," the Prime Minister said.