Caspian Energy (CE): Large-scale work on providing gas supply to towns and settlements is being carried out in Azerbaijan.  Which objectives are pursued in this direction?

Akbar Hajiyev, General Director, SOCAR Azerigaz PU: SOCAR Azerigaz PU performs these operations within the framework of the “State program of social-economic development of regions for 2009-2013” as well as the “State program of social-economic development of Baku city and its settlements” approved by President of Azerbaijan. The main task we face proceeds from the order of the head of state Ilham Aliyev: to provide 90% of the republican territory with gas supply. The complex of measures undertaken in this direction envisages uninterrupted and safe gas supply to the population of the country as well as commercial facilities. Operations on reconstruction of gas infrastructure and provision of gas supply to the dwelling settlements of the country are performed in this regard. We hope the work we have carried out will allow us to successfully fulfill the orders given by the head of the state. 

CE: How many new dwelling settlements have been linked to the gas supply system?

Akbar Hajiyev: Only during the period from 2009 till 2013 Azerigaz PU has performed operations on providing gas supply to 451 dwelling settlements. The number of gas consumers has been increased by over 360,000 subscribers throughout this period. Particular importance was attached to gas supply of the front-line and frontier dwelling settlements. For instance, gas supply provision to Aghdam and Gazakh regions has been fully completed. The corresponding operations are also performed in other regions of the country. 

I would like to note that new gas pipelines to the length of 2959.8 km were laid in the first quarter of 2013 alone. In general, new lines to the length of 19,096.3km were laid from 2009 till 2013. Pipelines to the length of 6857.1km underwent an overall repair. 

Over the past period of 2013 we managed to perform a number of operations on gas supply both to the capital and the republic. In particular, the corresponding work was carried out in Shagan and Shuvalan settlements of Khazar district of the capital, Gizildash, Sakhil, Gobustan, Sangachal, Kergez and AZNF (Azerneftsanaye) settlements of Garadagh district, 8th km settlement of Nizami district, Ramany, Yeni Ramany, Balakhany, Nardaran, Bakikhanov, Sabunchu, Savalan settlements of Sabunchu district, and Yasamal district of the capital. A number of operations were also carried out in Sumgayit, Lankaran, Aghjabedi, Beylagan, Kurdamir, Tovuz as well as in Samukh, Yevlakh, Terter, Fizuli, Goranboy, Gadabey, Geychay, Barda and Aghsu regions of the Republic.  Operations on provision of gas supply have to be started from “zero” in certain dwelling settlements as sometimes gas pipelines are too old to be repaired. 

CE: What kind of reconstruction work is carried out in the gas supply system of the republic?

Akbar Hajiyev: Repair and renewal operations are carried out on gas pipelines with expiring and expired service life. New gas pipelines are laid at the areas where no gas infrastructure exists at all. 

New technologies to prevent losses when supplying gas to subscribers are being applied. In particular, old meters are replaced with new devices operating on basis of smart cards. We install them also for our new subscribers. We also extend practice of using new technologies in the gas supply system. The work on review of design estimate documentation as well as specification writing is also carried out. I would like to note that quality of gas supplied within the republic fully meets all regulations and requirements. Blue fuel is checked up in the laboratory of the gas processing plant and then in the similar facilities of Azerigaz before it is delivered to consumers’ apartments. In general, modernization and reconstruction work enables to improve the level of gas supply and reduce its losses during transportation. 

As the result of undertaken measures, the number of consumers supplied with gas exceeded 1,527.8 mln as of April 1, 2013. The population category is represented by 1,509.4 mln of subscribers. Considering these indicators both in regions and Baku, we may note that over 671.2 thousand subscribers live within the territory of the capital and 856.6 thousand subscribers live in regions. 

CE: You mentioned about installation of new meters operating on basis of smart cards. How many subscribers of SOCAR Azerigaz PU have been provided with such devices so far?

Akbar Hajiyev: In general, 99.9% of our subscribers have been supplied with meters. We plan that installation of smart-meters will cover all gas consumers of the republic in future. According to the information as of April 1, 2013, meters operating on advance payment principle have been installed for over 700,000 of our subscribers. 

CE:  Is there sufficient amount of payment terminals in the republic where subscribers, who have smart-meters installed in their apartments, may pay gas fees?

Akbar Hajiyev: The practice of using payment points is increasing. For instance, subscribers may also pay gas fees at payment terminals of Modenis company starting from March of this year. 

It is noteworthy that drastic changes are introduced in this sphere in order to avoid possible technical problems because of the growth of operations on payment for provided services. In particular, Azerigaz has started applying new software since March 2013. It will enable our union to lend qualitative payment service to approximately 1mln subscribers. 

CE: What could you tell about control set over safety measures in organizations of SOCAR Azerigaz PU?

Akbar Hajiyev: This issue has always been in the focus of attention of the PU management. Development of “Rules for using the card system in order to strengthen control over labor protection” has been one of our latest measures undertaken in this regard. These rules were approved by Azerigaz and the Trade Union Committee. All subdivisions of PU were informed about application of new rules. Technical inspection and maintenance repairs of gas lines, laid inside of apartments, and installed devices are regularly carried out in order to prevent domestic accidents when consuming gas of Azerigaz. 

CE: What international standards does Azerigaz PU apply in its activity?

Akbar Hajiyev: We have already been awarded ISO 9001 certificate (Quality Management Certificate). SOCAR’s Department for Training and Certification is performing intensive work on application of international standards ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 in activity of Azerigaz PU. 

A number of environment control activities were also carried out. In particular, the work on development of maximum allowable emission norms, including certification of hazardous wastes was continued. The working group consisting of representatives of the SOCAR Ecology Department is continuing its work on application of new standards in order to determine the volume of hydrocarbon emission into the atmosphere. 

In the end, I would like to note that considerable results on improvement and renewal of the gas distribution system and the entire gas economy were gained over the past years. This work is continued today and will be proceeded in future so that to enhance the rate of gas supply provision within the country as well as quality and safety of its delivery.