Gov't to designate ENA shares as public interest

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian government plans to designate 100 percent of the shares of Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) as an asset of overriding public interest. The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure has published the relevant draft proposal.

The public discussion period for the draft will remain open until July 8.

According to the proposal, the measure is justified by several factors:

• Electricity distribution is a vital public service.
• The Public Services Regulatory Commission has suspended the operating license of Electric Networks of Armenia CJSC.
• It is necessary to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to the population, the normal operation of social and strategic facilities, the stability of the energy system, and the protection of consumer rights.
• Electricity distribution networks are strategic infrastructure by nature, and any disruption in their operation may lead to broad social, economic, and security consequences.
• The activities carried out by Electric Networks of Armenia CJSC are of exceptional importance and have a significant impact on all spheres of public life.

On May 8, it became known that the government had offered $380,000 to the family of ENA owner Samvel Karapetyan for the company. Karapetyan considered the proposed amount unacceptable, and negotiations did not take place.

On July 3, 2025, Armenia’s National Assembly adopted in the second and final reading a package of amendments to the laws “On the Public Services Regulatory Authority” and “On Energy” by a vote of 65 in favor, 27 against, and no abstentions. The package is commonly referred to as the ENA nationalization bill.

Karapetyan acquired the company in 2016 at the request of the previous government and subsequently invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its modernization.