ZRGE: Serbian Elektroseveri is implementing Kosovo laws

The Kosovo Energy Regulatory Office (ZRRE) still has no information on which operators supply Elektroseveri for the distribution of electricity to northern Kosovo, says Ymer Feyzullahu, chairman of the ZRE Board, for Radio Free Europe.

However, this company, which is owned by Serbia's energy company, EPS, is respecting Kosovo laws, he emphasises.

By June 2022, Elektroseveri received the ZRERE license for the electricity supply of four Serb majority municipalities in the north -- Leposaviq, Northern Mitrovica, Zvecan and Zubin Potok -- and for the fate of citizens there.

The latter have not paid for the current spent since the post-war. For a while, it has been billed to citizens of other parts of Kosovo, and then to institutions.

Elektroseverer started distributing bills north of end of February.

Radio Free Europe: Mr. Feyzullahu, the Elektrosever company has already started operating in four Serb-run municipalities in northern Kosovo. Do you have any information on which power operators this company is supplied from?

Ymer Feyzullah: As you know, Elektrosseverer has been licensed by the ERE as commercial suppliers and, as such, has the right to supply these consumers through market prices in abundance.

Since it is deregulated, wherever it finds its energy economically more favourable, it has the right to buy the necessary amount and supply consumers at unregulated prices.

At the moment, I still don't know where the supply is.

However, it must be stressed that Elektroseverer is obliged to pay network use tariffs for the Kosovo System, Transition and Market Operator (KOSTT), and for the Kosovar Power Distrition Company in Kosovo (KEDS).

While the retail tariffs that pay consumers, he [Electreer], according to the license, has the right to determine at market prices, or propose prices that he considers to be reasonable.

But, as we highlighted in the license, in case we have energy market disorder, sir. The RRE is bound to react.

Radio Free EuropeIt means, Z The RR does not determine electricity tariffs for the Elektrosever company, like for other energy operators in Kosovo?

Ymer Feyzullah: THE GER has also set tariffs for northern consumers. Those consumers have the right to be supplied through KESCO.

But those supplied through the Elektrosvers are supplied at market prices and are not determined by the ERE.

All consumers in Kosovo, home and businesses who have less than 10m euros in circulation and less than 50 employees have the right to be supplied with fees regulated by the ZRRE; in this case, they have the right to be supplied with tariffs that are set for KESCO.

As for information, the tariffs proposed by Elektroseverer are almost close to the tariffs set by the ZRE, both the structure and the price.

Elektroseveri even in the four municipalities [of the Serb majority in the north] has proposed the bloc fee for household consumers, as we have decided for the rest of the consumers.

Radio Free Europe: What is the number of consumers who have signed contracts for belt recognitions in four municipalities in the north?

Ymer Feyzullah: According to first information a week, up to 25% of consumers have agreed to sign contracts [with Elektrosverin]. This percentage changes every day, as we have new contract signature requirements.

Radio Free Europe: Is there any reluctance among citizens to sign contracts, subsequently to pay for the energy spent?

Ymer FeyzullahIt's true that many consumers are reluctant, but I think trend is enjoyable.

Given that they haven't paid since the post-war for electricity, it's a positive trend, and I hope that within a short period, other consumers will sign contracts with the Elektroseveri.

Radio Free Europe: It's still a brief period of Elektroseverer operating in northern Kosovo, but, during this time, have Kosovo's laws been respected, just as the license issued by the institution you are running?

Ymer Feyzullah: So far, Elektroseveri has signed all contracts under legislation in effect with COST and KED. There are nearly three-four contracts with COSTT and two agreements with KED and respected them.

It has also submitted for review to the ERE and draft contract related to consumers. We have indeed bestowed a favour upon you, a confirmation, and this contract contains every law and everything. We don't have to approve contracts with commercial suppliers, but we monitor whether they adhere to all provisions under legislation in effect.

Ymer Feyzullah: Actually, they're details, but we know there's probably a market deviation, if it [the electricity] offers high-rate energy, but also at very low prices.

Since it's the initial stage of his operation, Z. The RRE is taking the data from the ground, but, according to the available information, there are no indicators [for market disorder].

Radio Free Europe: Based on the license issued by the ZERE, Elektroseveri is responsible for consumer protection, addressing possible complaints as well as protecting workers' rights. Is this case arranged?

Ymer Feyzullah: As for the number of workers and other issues, they are not yet finalised. He [Electricity] is working in that direction, but also in issues dealing with consumer complaints.

If consumers of the four municipalities don't get answers from the Elektrosvers after their complaints, they should address the ZRE. However, it must be made clear: Only consumers signed the contract.

First we have to sign contracts with the Elektrosver, and then the right to complain in the ZERE arises.

Even if they have any complaints about the proposed contract, they should address Z. RRE, since Z. The RRE has the Department for Consumer Protection and will address all issues under legislation in effect.