The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (OEK) has expressed deep concern over the chaotic situation created by the unlawful decision of the Energy Regulatory Office (ZRrE) to cut electricity supply starting August 16.
In a statement to the media, OEK said that this decision has struck businesses, the country’s economy, and, even worse, the citizens of Kosovo in the harshest way possible.
OEK reported receiving complaints from businesses that KEDS officials, accompanied by police officers, entered their premises to cut electricity.
“The presence of the police has created a very negative image for companies, especially foreign investors. The backing of such decisions with police enforcement not only destroys hope for attracting foreign investments but also undermines opportunities for the expansion of local businesses,” the statement read.
OEK further stated that some businesses had signed contracts, yet KEDS still proceeded to cut their power supply.
“Additionally, there are businesses that do not even meet the legal criteria to enter the free energy market, but still had their power supply cut off. This clearly shows that the liberalization process managed by ZRrE was not at all prepared.”
The Chamber of Commerce called on ZRrE to immediately stop such arbitrary (violent) actions and return to dialogue with private sector representatives in order to plan a well-prepared transition to the free energy market.
“Only in this way can we protect businesses, which make up 60% of Kosovo’s economy, employ 143,000 citizens, and are the most deserving for Kosovo’s current stage of development. A decision like today’s only brings joy to the enemies of Kosovo,” OEK emphasized.
Meanwhile, KEDS announced that it has begun cutting off 1,400 commercial consumption points that failed to secure agreements with licensed suppliers from ZRrE.
