Our history
History of the Development of the Electric Power System in Azerbaijan republic.
The first power station in Baku was installed in 1895 at the Baku docks on the Bayil highway. According to documents from the State Historical Archive of the Republic of Azerbaijan, electricity was supplied by a dynamo machine using the German-made "Algemayne" system.
In 1898–1899, a branch of the Joint-Stock Company "Elektricheskaya Sila" (Electric Power) was established in the city. This company was, in turn, a subsidiary of the “Society for Electric Lighting” founded in 1886 by the “Siemens & Halske” company.
In 1900, Siemens & Halske began constructing a second power station in Bibiheybat (Bayil Cape) and Black City (now known as White City). In early July 1901, the Bibiheybat power station was tested, and a week later, it was officially put into operation. In 1902, the power station in Black City was also commissioned. By 1903, the number of power stations in Baku had reached 70.
In March 1906, electricity was transmitted for the first time. Two overhead power lines of 20 kV voltage and 8.1 km length were constructed from the Black City substation to the Balakhani oil fields.
The next phase of development occurred between 1909 and 1920. More than 60 transformer stations were built in Balakhani, Ramana, and Surakhani districts.
In 1920, all energy enterprises in the republic were nationalized, and based on them, a new administrative body called "Elektrotok" was established.
Formation and Development of Baku's Electric Network
Since 1920, the Baku Electric Network has operated under various organizations. Until 1929, it was part of Azneft’s “Elektrotok” department, and in 1929, by the decision of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR, the Baku City Electric Network (BCEN) was placed under the Baku City Council.
According to a decision of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan SSR, in 1963, it came under the jurisdiction of the Main Department of Energy and Electrification.
From 1969 to 2000, it functioned as part of the Baku City Executive Committee and later the Baku City Executive Power.
The large-scale construction of major substations, production facilities, and power lines began only in the 1970s, initiated by the newly appointed leader of the republic at the time – national leader Heydar Aliyev.
Creation of “Baku Electricity Network” and Transition to “Azerishiq” OJSC
By the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated June 14, 2000, in order to improve the performance of the capital's electric network and ensure more reliable power supply to the city, the “Baku Electricity Network” Open Joint Stock Company was established.
From January 2, 2002 to July 3, 2006, the company was transferred to the management of the Turkish company “Barmek Holding A.Ş.”
After the Presidential Decree of August 10, 2006, the activity of “Baku Electricity Network” OJSC was restored. To carry out improvement and investment works, financial support from the Presidential Reserve Fund was allocated.
As the worthy successor of Heydar Aliyev’s political course, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, has always paid special attention and care to the energy sector, just like other sectors of the country.
By the Presidential Decree dated February 10, 2015, the name of “Baku Electricity Network” OJSC was changed to “Azerishiq” OJSC. The company was entrusted with the task of reliable, safe, and efficient supply of electricity to consumers across the Republic of Azerbaijan (excluding the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic).