GSE’s Giorgi Amuzashvili: Power failure investigations typically conclude within two weeks; internal procedures set 30 days or longer

“An investigation into technological disruptions following the power outage is currently underway. This is no simple task and requires time. It is essential to log faults on site, draw up defect reports, obtain statements from personnel, and extract operational data from logbooks,” stated Giorgi Amuzashvili, Director for Operational Modes and Dispatch at Georgian State Electrosystem (GSE).

According to Amuzashvili, inquiries into failures of this nature are typically completed within one to two weeks.

“Under our internal procedures, the standard timeframe for an investigation is 30 days, though there have been instances where the process has drawn out further. As for the provision of information, as you know, investigations and clarifications regarding the outages are proceeding along several fronts. The issue requires comprehensive study. A detailed examination is necessary to identify technical faults and plan appropriate corrective measures to prevent similar recurrences in future.

As you know, the system evolves like a living organism, particularly now, when so many renewable energy sources must be integrated. Modelling processes for renewable sources are carried out in isolation to ensure the system can operate. This will allow us to identify vulnerabilities and take appropriate measures,” Amuzashvili noted.

In addition, he noted that written responses are being prepared for all information logged so far. Concurrently, Georgian State Electrosystem will continue reviewing these matters before taking action.

“On July 30, following the conclusion of our first session, a short circuit occurred in Russia’s unified grid at 16:16 as we were leaving. At that moment, we were operating in a parallel, synchronous mode with the Russian system, with Azerbaijan also integrated into the process. This short circuit triggered systemic disturbances. Fortunately, it did not escalate, and the situation was quickly stabilised. Otherwise, we might have faced a total system blackout.

A disturbance originated from Dagestan. We reacted separately to this, requesting clarification on the precise cause. Our recording devices logged these anomalies, and the data was subsequently analysed. Measures were taken to connect thermal power stations to ensure system reliability. The exact performance of the voltage and frequency regulators at the Enguri Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) has yet to be fully established. As noted, a team of experts is arriving this week, and our representative will participate in their work,” Amuzashvili added.

Regarding the research methodology, he stated that it is determined in accordance with procedures defined by the equipment manufacturer.

“We simply provide the apparatus and required auxiliary resources. We must await the findings of this study. Furthermore, a disturbance was recorded on the Azerbaijani grid earlier this morning. At this stage, it has not been established whether the source of the disturbance lay on the Russian or Azerbaijani side. No power system is immune to such events. Therefore, our grid must be prepared in every respect. I believe a detailed study will reveal the technical faults.

Once reports conducted across all areas are compiled, it will be possible to provide the public with comprehensive information. As is well known, this issue has generated immense public interest since July 30. Once this process is complete, the cause will become clear,” declared Giorgi Amuzashvili.

For context, a nationwide power outage occurred on July 24. Electricity supply was disrupted for several hours on July 25 as well. The State Security Service has launched a sabotage investigation into both incidents.

Meanwhile, the energy regulator, GNERC, published its preliminary findings regarding the cause of the initial July 24 blackout on July 30.