Ombudsman seeks suspension of ZRE's decision on free energy market

According to this institution, the 16.1% increase in electricity tariffs directly affects the increase in cost of living, particularly burdening the situation of consumers in need and families benefiting social assistance.

The ombudsman has said that to take this decision requires consultation between Z. The RRE and institutions responsible for protecting consumers in need.

“The government of the Republic of Kosovo has the obligation to act in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Electric Energy, so that such ZRE decisions can be forwarded to measures through which the rights of consumers in need and other vulnerable categories will be protected, and to take concrete measures with the aim of creating and affordable conditions for the business community, creating appropriate conditions for market liberalisation under favourable conditions, and by taking measures to avoid monopoly creation. The lack of constitutionalised institutions in the time of making decisions has been unable to offset a balanced and responsible process”, the Ombudsman has said.

Full response:

The ombudsman has published Opinion Ex Offizio No. 538/2025 Regarding ZRE's rise in electricity prices

Pristina, May 29, 2025 Through this opinion, the Ombudsman has offered the general position on the issue of increasing the price of electricity from the Energy Regulatory Office (ZRRE), as well as the effects created by this increase, in light of constitutional and legal guarantees regarding basic human rights and freedoms.

The ombudsman estimates that the 16.1% increase in tariffs for electricity directly affects the increase in cost of living, particularly burdening the situation of consumers in need and families benefiting social assistance.

The opinion further expresses serious concerns about the lack of inter-institutional co-ordination and disrespecting provisions of Article 49 of the Law on Electric Energy, which requires consultation between Z. The RRE and institutions responsible for protecting consumers in need.

In response to concerns he has acknowledged from citizens' complaints, representatives of the private sector, the Kosovo Economic Oda and lawyers of the affected parties, the Ombudsman has estimated that:

The government of the Republic of Kosovo has the obligation to act in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Electric Energy, so that such ZRR decisions can be forwarded to measures through which consumers' rights in need and other vulnerable categories will be protected, as well as to take concrete measures aimed at creating and affordable conditions for the business community, creating appropriate conditions for market liberalisation with favourable conditions, as well as by taking measures to avoid monopoly creation.

The lack of constitutionalised institutions in the time of making decisions has made a balanced and responsible process impossible.

Decisions taken in the absence of full institutional capacities can bring irreparable consequences to citizens and do not serve public interest. In this context, it is necessary to emphasize the responsibility that falls on the government and relevant institutions, which are tasked with ensuring a fair, fair and transparent process in managing this issue. The lack of transparency during the process has contributed to increased public distrust, while concerns raised by citizens have remained unequivocal, deepening the sense of institutional irresponsible.

Unless immediate and concrete measures are taken to fulfill legal obligations towards citizens, the situation could take disturbing proportions.

Furthermore, the Ombudsman further stresses that a serious and co-ordinated response is needed on the part of the government and the authorities involved to ensure transparency, accountability and sustainable solutions,

The ombudsman has called for suspending implementation of relevant decisions until the outcome of investigations and review of all related legal, social and economic aspects.

Even through this opinion, the new ombudsman reiterated the position that it is necessary to suspend implementation of the V 2697 2025 verdict, the V 2702 2025 verdict, No.prot. 252/2025, April 29, 2025, V 2698 2025 verdict, and decision V 2703 2025, No.prot. 253/2025, April 29, 2025.

Finally, the ombudsman emphasises that it is the duty of each institution in the Republic of Kosovo to engage in providing services for good and benefits to the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, respecting the Constitution and legal provisions in force.

This opinion is published in order to contribute to increased institutional accountability and serve as support for developing judicial processes, establishing human rights and public interest in the centre of policies including energy.

Full Opinion You Find Here.