Only 43% of people living in Kakheti have access to natural gas. One of the main reasons for this low rate of access is the high fees gas companies charge to connect to gas pipelines. To ease the financial burden on the population, the Georgian National Energy Regulatory Committee (GNERC) issued a decree in August 2012, according to which the cost for connecting to a gas pipeline should not exceed a total of 600 GEL per household, payable over two years. However, enforcing this decree has been a challenge, as gas distribution companies have been charging much higher connection rates. Additionally, the local population was not well-informed about their rights under the relevant regulations.
To assist people in protecting their consumer rights, the Civil Society Research and Development Center (CSRDC) conducted an advocacy campaign in ten villages in the Telavi Municipality: Akura, Ikalto, Gulgula, Karajala, Artana, Saniore, Napareuli, Kisiskhevi, Kondoli, and Rusipiri.
CSRDC community mobilizers conducting an informational meeting in Kondoli village
CSRDC first examined the regulatory framework on natural gas provision and published informational leaflets to disseminate among the community. In addition to this, the organization selected and trained community mobilizers to conduct meetings in each village to inform people about their rights.
“Before the project, local people were not aware about the procedures for supplying gas, who to approach regarding the issue, and how to advocate for their rights. After our advocacy efforts, they themselves approached Wissol, a gas distribution company, to ensure their rights were respected,” said Nino Loladze, Project Director at CSRDC.
CSRDC identifies specific violations from the gas provision company, and files complaints to send them to the Energy Ombudsman
CSRDC assisted communities in identifying specific violations by Wissol and filed complaints with the Georgian National Energy Regulatory Committee and the Energy Ombudsman. The Energy Ombudsman requested that Wissol comply with gas provision regulations. As a result, Wissol lowered its fees for gas connection in accordance with the law. For households not previously connected to gas pipelines, Wissol lowered the connection fee from 2,000 GEL to 900 GEL, and for those who already had access to the pipeline, Wissol charged a 400 GEL connection fee instead of the previous 1,000 GEL. Wissol also agreed to provide gas to some other villages that were not previously on the company’s list.
EWMI G-PAC funded CSRDC’s project through its Open Door Grants Program.
CSRDC community mobilizers conducting an informational meeting in Kisiskhevi village
EWMI G-PAC BLOG 