Energy Ombudsman: Stricter Gas Regulations Needed

The Energy Ombudsman of Georgia Salome Vardiashvili has stressed the need for stricter gas regulations to protect Georgian consumers.

Yesterday, 7 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning in an apartment building in Tbilisi. KazTransGas Tbilisi is not considered responsible for the leak as current legislation obliges gas companies to check gas networks only once a year.

“I understand this is not enough. I also agree that any equipment that the company says is dangerous to life must be prohibited. Regulation of the internal gas network should be stricter and should be reestablished”, said Vardiashvili.Kaz   

The Emergency Management Service believes that a bird’s nest in the heater’s pipe caused an accumulation of gas.

Vardiashvili said that the recent cases demonstrate the need for tighter administrative code. Citizens ignore warnings from the gas company and install devices incorrectly.

The legislative body is also discussing tighter natural gas consumption rules. When the legislative package will be sent to parliament, remains unknown.

By Amy Jones

Photo source: Caucasus Business Week

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7 Die as Result of Carbon Monoxide Leak in Tbilisi