MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

“We are making the requirements for the gas distribution companies and the private and legal entities operating in gas infrastructure construction and installation much strikter. We should also increase consumers’ responsibility,” – Natia Turnava, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development stated at the meeting with the representatives of the energy sector where the challenges and their possible solutions related to the gas infrastructure were discussed.

Head of the LEPL Technical and Construction Supervision Agency of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development Grigol Kakauridze, Acting Director General of the LEPL Unified National Body of Accreditation - Accreditation Center Malkhaz Kharebava, Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission representative Giorgi Pangani, Georgian Technical University Professors - Gia Arabidze, Shota Mestvirishvili, Nodar Kevkhishvili, Evtikhi Machavariani, Dmitry Kuchukhidze, the Oil and Gas Corporation representative Temur Gochitashvili and other officials attended the meeting.

It was noted that the gas distribution and infrastructure construction companies are very much interested to the enhanced workforce qualification and provide retraining programs. It was noted that the Georgian Technical University, through its intellectual and technical resources, can enroll retraining programs directly connected to gas infrastructure and equipment and train the personnel in gas companies. In addition, it was suggested that the gas distribution companies will be provided with the information about new technologies and devices that reduce the number of accidents.

Natia Turnava drew attention to another important issue which is the certification of companies and individuals who are engaged in the gas equipment installation.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development noted that the amendments to laws and subordinate acts, which envisage tightening of rules for gas consumption, will be submitted for the discussion in the nearest future.