User:Ani Ghazaryan/sandbox

Armenia’s National Energy Transmission Grid
Armenian National Transmission Grid is the only electric power distributor and primary employer in Armenia. Several companies, under its control, are responsible for energy generation and distribution across the country; Electric Networks of Armenia, High Voltage Electrical Networks and Electro Power System Operator.

The first high-voltage lines in Armenia, 22KV, were built in 1928. In 1938, Armenian energy system was formulated by the operation of energy transmission lines with the voltage of 110 KV. The collapse of the USSR affected the economic condition of the country which led to a substantial crisis period in 1992-1995. The distribution companies were in a desperate situation which could be described by the lack of control, a decrease in collection rate for the energy consumed, multiple overloads of the network leading to various accidents, power outages and ancillary equipment problems. As a result, in 1966, 64 utility companies were set up which were responsible for the energy sale. Later, those companies were replaced by 11 larger ones. In 1997, the Law on Energy was adopted, and the Energy Regulatory Commission was set up to begin the reorganization and commercialization of the energy system, based on the division of responsibilities between production, transmission, regulation, and distribution. The law aimed to encourage the development of renewable energy resources and emphasized the role of electricity distribution company in purchasing renewable energy. In 2002, the 11 enterprises united to formulate Armenian National Transmission Grid with the ownership of “Midland Resources Holding.” In 2015, Armenian government sold High Voltage Electrical Networks to the company ‘Tashir Capital,’ whose owner, a Moscow based Russian billionaire and entrepreneur of Armenian origin, Samvel Karapetyan, acquired Electric Networks of Armenia later on. Both High Voltage Electrical Networks and Electric Networks of Armenia serve as power distributors by receiving energy from countries like Georgia and Iran, and delivering electric power to consumers across Armenia. It is assumed that the monopoly of electricity distribution was sold for almost $720 million, not to mention the company’s debts. From April 14, 2017, the shares of the company are divided among "Tashir Capital" (70 %) and Lormand Holding Limited (30%).

Today the company has 11 branches, 7 of which serve in different regions of Armenia and 4 serve Yerevan. It is engaged in distribution, transmission, and sales of electricity in Armenia, providing service to more than 1 million consumers.