At the sitting of the Regional Policy and Self-Government Committee, the Acting Public Defender of Consumer Interests, Nino Guleishvili, operating independently under the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission, presented the 2025 report on the state of consumer rights in the energy and water supply sectors.

According to her, one of the key objectives of the Public Defender’s office is the protection of consumer rights in the energy sector. The reporter spoke about the relationships between companies operating in the water supply, electricity, natural gas, and irrigation sectors and their consumers, as well as the efforts undertaken to resolve problematic issues and disputes.

The Acting Energy Ombudsman presented statistical data on the activities carried out in 2025. She noted that during the reporting period, 2,330 correspondences were registered, resulting in 1,052 recommendations and motions. More than 30,000 citizens received consultations in various forms. As for written-off and incorrectly charged amounts, Ms. Guleishvili stated that in 2025, this figure amounted to nearly GEL 200,000.

Speaking about consumer applications in the energy and water supply sectors, she noted that most complaints relate to quality and safety issues. She also emphasized that during regional visits, the Public Defender’s office identifies local challenges on-site and responds accordingly.

“In 2025, the Energy Ombudsman’s office conducted 10 regional visits. As a result of increased public awareness in the regions, the number of applications and direct communication with citizens significantly increased. With the involvement of the Energy Ombudsman’s office, important infrastructure works were carried out in various regions, and issues related to electricity supply and drinking water quality were resolved”, - Ms. Guleishvili stated.

She also noted that the office holds working meetings with company representatives and discusses consumer problems and ways to resolve them within a mediation format.

Following the presentation, the Acting Energy Ombudsman answered questions from committee members.

The Committee positively assessed the 2025 report of the Acting Public Defender of Consumer Interests.

Committee Chair Irakli Kadagishvili thanked the Acting Energy Ombudsman for her work and wished her success.