The inter-system trans-Azerbaijani power line Astara (Azerbaijan)- Astara (Iran) has been set in operation. This was contained in a press release from Azerenergy JSC. According to testing schedules, on 21 August the 110 kV power line was put under voltage on the Iranian side of the line. According to the norms of technical inspection after 48 hours the power line was connected to the substation (Astara) and also put under high voltage. This will be followed by the completion stage - phasing and setting the relay switches - after which the power line could be considered "commissioned into exploitation."

Putting this power-line into operation will allow electricity exchange with Iran to the volume of 200-250 million kilowatt per annum. In winter, electricity will be supplied from Iran to Azerbaijan and the same equivalent amount of energy will be supplied back to Iran from Azerbaijan in the summer, when that country is at its most demand for electricity. In the initial stages, Azerenergy plans to transmit 41.8 million kilowatt-hour of electricity to Iran to repay the credit issued for the construction of the Azerbaijani sector of this power line. It is expected that experts from both sides will meet soon to work out a timetable for the electricity exchange between the two countries along this new power line.

Over $1 million was spent on the construction of the Azerbaijani sector of the power line.