Kosovo could face energy crisis early next year

At a table organised by the American Economic Oda in Kosovo, Economic Development Minister Valdrin Luka said local thermal power plants are currently generating about 400 MW until the next amount of 400 Other MWs are being imported at a price several times higher. He cited that due to the crisis threatening the country through its stable power supply, the ministry has collected an emergency council consisting of institutions and relevant organisations from the field of electricity, which will soon come up with a report that will then be discussed in the government.

Minister Luka also spoke of measures the government plans to take in terms of boosting energy efficiency, stressing investments in increased efficiency in public objects, which would result in savings by 8%, but also plans to build new energy capacities, hoping that the contract for construction of the Kosova e Re thermal power plant will be signed by the end of this year.

Kosovo Parliamentary Commission for Economic Development Chairman Sala Berisha Shala said the Assembly will commit to the quick functioning of the Energy Regulatory Office Board. She said the Assembly is the legislative institution de-responsive of implementing legislation and will make sure that the country does not face any potential energy crisis.

On the other hand, KED chief executive chief George Karagutoff stressed that the potential energy crisis, subsequently reducing the amount of energy produced by local energy capacities, would affect the importation of power at a markedly higher price, which KEDS could not cover -- the situation which would require government intervention.

Businesses present at the table called on the Government and Parliament to address the coal and sustainable energy supply situation with greater priority so that any possible crisis does not cause problems in operating businesses across the country.