Electricity Load Sharply Increased, Conservation Essential: Artsakh Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure

After the 44-day war, Artsakh faces challenges in ensuring energy independence and reliability once again. This was stated by Armen Mejlumyan, head of the energy department at the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Artsakh, in a conversation with an Armenpress correspondent.

"The electricity system of the Republic of Artsakh operates in parallel modes with the systems of the Republic of Armenia. In case of emergency outages in the Artsakh electricity system, a power deficit occurs, which is resolved with the help of imports from Armenia. Currently, the energy resources of Artsakh only cover 57 percent of internal consumption, while the rest is imported from the Republic of Armenia through just one line, the 'Shinuhayr-Stepanakert' 110 kV overhead line," Mejlumyan detailed, adding that a significant part of this line passes through areas under Azerbaijani control, which hinders full service of the line and, of course, poses relevant risks.

"If it happens that this line is compromised, the electricity system of the Republic will experience a power deficit, and we will be forced to implement scheduled outages. Due to Azerbaijan's blockade of gas supply and the current heating season, the load on the overhead lines has sharply increased. To avoid future emergency outages, the population should use electricity as sparingly as possible," said Mejlumyan, noting that it is essential to replace all incandescent bulbs with LED types, take additional measures for thermal insulation of residential houses, set heaters to a lower temperature, and unplug all devices when leaving the house.