Around 90% of businesses in Kosovo have been disconnected from the electricity network after failing to sign contracts with licensed energy suppliers, following a decision by the Energy Regulatory Office (ZRRE).
According to Lulzim Krasniqi from KEDS, more than 1,400 electricity meters identified as belonging to companies were cut off on August 16.
“About 90% of these businesses were disconnected yesterday. The remaining ones will be cut off in the coming days unless they reach agreements with licensed suppliers,” Krasniqi told KosovaPress.
He clarified that no disconnections were made today since it is a non-working day, but the process will continue next week.
Court Ruling and KEDS Implementation
The disconnections follow a ruling by the Commercial Court, Second Instance Chamber, and a notification received by KEDS from ZRRE. KEDS announced that businesses without valid contracts must comply with the decision, warning that non-compliance would result in power cuts starting August 16.
The company stressed that it is legally prohibited from supplying electricity to consumers without valid agreements with licensed providers.
Strong Reactions from Business Associations
The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry condemned the decision, arguing that the process contains numerous legal and procedural violations. The Chamber called on the government and ZRRE to immediately suspend the decision and launch a transparent review process.
“This decision will cause serious consequences for the country’s economy, including a significant rise in electricity prices, higher product costs, threats to thousands of jobs, reduced local production, dependence on imports, and closure of many businesses,” the Chamber warned.
The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (OEK) also announced that it will continue the legal battle against ZRRE, even considering appeals to the Supreme Court and, if necessary, the Constitutional Court.
Political Opposition Calls It “Economic Persecution”
The opposition parties strongly criticized the move. The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) labeled the disconnections as “persecution”, calling on the Special Prosecution to investigate ZRRE and ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) described the situation as a “national economic catastrophe”, claiming it endangers more than 100,000 families due to disrupted energy supply and halted business activity.
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) echoed similar criticism, accusing authorities of leaving businesses “at the mercy of the energy mafia.”
