Energy crisis in Europe knocks on Kosovo door

Officials and energy experts estimate that rising electricity prices at this time is inevitable.

KED spokesman Viktor Buzhala tells of the Blic object, that they have applied for extraordinary ER tariff review, and that their demand is to have an increase of 7 %s for the tariffs that would go into effect by December 1st.

According to him, based on current parameters, so if they don't change, then the demand for growth will certainly be at least 30.

” We have applied for extraordinary tariforl consideration in the ZERE. It's up to this institution to decide on this. Otherwise, our demand is that there be an increase of 7 %s for the tariffs that would go into effect by December 1st. But we have not yet been notified that the RER has made any decisions. But according to parameters, growth seems inevitable. This, as consumption is increasing year-on-year with at least 20 %. That means more import. And import prices are currently in the sky, over 5 times last year. It also depends on local production. If the B1 unit goes to the revision planned by April 1st, the impact will be even greater. But, based on current parameters, so if they don't change, then the demand for growth will certainly be at least 30 %”, he declares.

On the other hand, Dardan Abazi, senior researcher at the Institute for Development Policy(INDEP), said that prior to the revision of tariffs, we should not talk about crisis or price hikes.

According to Abbas, the ministry should work with the ZRR in reforming the tariff structure so that any price increase does not affect those who cannot afford it.

We consider that no bells should be dropped for crisis without knowing the full effects that import prices may have to rise. The annual revision of tariffs will take place in March and April 2022, and we must not prejudge before it for crisis or major price hikes. The ministry instead of calling on consumers not to heat up should form the consumer fund in need under the Electricity Law, to work with the ZRRE in reforming the tariff structure so that any price increase does not affect those who can't afford it, to announce green recovery through package funding projects for energy efficiency, a subsisting for any newly installed solar energy unit, municipality support for energy management projects, etc., etc.

Dardan Abazi, senior researcher at the Institute for Development Policy(INDEP)

Inrcack, energy expert Agron Dida, says of RCBI, that the problem with electricity in Kosovo stems from the lack of actions it took 20 years ago.

Until he adds that there is no choice but to increase the price of energy.

It's very difficult to manage the situation because the energy sustainability problem is a strategic problem. You can't take measures today just improvise emergency measures, but you can't solve the problem. The problem stems from the lack of activities that had to take place 20 years ago to provide energy today, it is impossible today to become the restructuring of the power generation sector. There is no choice but to increase energy, even the growth rate that is now being sought is small, but there is no other solution. Because we're dependent on import, we need to change the structure of electricity consumption, then we have to invest in helping citizens to isolate their homes and these are the methods that allow them to cope with this crisis. I prefer citizens to save electricity, to reduce the amount of import in order to be in a convenient situation”, Dida says.

Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli has asked citizens to save electricity for heating.

“Import electricity prices have increased fivefold, compared to last year and a normal year. Consequently it is a state of emergency, in which each of us has to do everything within its capacities, so that this crisis affects Kosovo”, Rizvanolli said.

According to her, energy failure means increasing its tariffs.