Ombudsman asks for ZRE to suspend electricity expensive decision

Through a response, this institution has suggested that the Energy Regulatory Office ( ZRE) should suspend the decision with the increase in electricity prices until the outcome of investigations concerning citizens' complaints.

According to this institution, this decision was made in the time of an institutional vacuum.

“The ombudsman stresses that the decision to raise tariffs has direct impact on basic human rights, particularly burdening more vulnerable groups and households on social assistance. This situation raises serious concerns about citizens' economic sustainability and equal access to basic services. The ombudsman highlights the lack of institutional co-ordination and underscores that these decisions were made in a moment of institutional vacuum without a constitutional and mandated Assembly, which has affected the lack of needed public and institutional debate on issues that are of vital importance to citizens.”, said the ombudsman's response.

This institution has estimated that the decision to expensive the electricity should be transparent.

“The ombudsman recalls that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, in accordance with Law No. 05L-085 for Electric Energy, holds responsibility for ensuring public interest, ensuring equal access and social involvement in energy policies. The decisions that so directly affect the welfare of citizens should be comprehensive, based on deepening social analysis and take place only when institutions are functional and co-ordinated to protect general social interest. The ombudsman stresses the need for independent bodies like ZRE to have increased responsibilities, transparency and co-operation with relevant institutions, especially when decisions affect public interest in large measure” has praised the ombudsman. /Periscope/