Starting May 1, electricity bills in Kosovo will increase—impacting both households and small businesses—following a controversial decision by the Energy Regulatory Office (ZRRE) to approve higher tariffs.
If you paid €33 for electricity in March, expect to pay €38.31 for the same usage in May.
The new tariffs were officially approved on April 16 and come despite public protests and widespread criticism. The increase applies to households and businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
Public Reaction: “It’s Already Too Expensive”
Rahime Mehmeti, a resident of Prishtina and a private-sector worker, says even with extreme energy-saving measures, her family’s bill often reaches €100–€150 per month.
“We barely heat our home in winter,” she says. “Now, with these new rates, everything will get more expensive.”
Protests and Legal Action
The civic group “Not a Cent More” has already organized two protests and announced a third for April 19.
Activist Besnik Shabiu warned that prices of basic goods like flour could increase.
The group plans to sue ZRRE and request a temporary injunction to suspend the decision.
Economic Ripple Effect
Experts and business associations warn the hike will trigger inflation:
- Flour prices may rise by €2 per 100 kg, says the Kosovo Millers’ Association.
- Dairy products, bread, cooking oil, and other local goods will follow.
- Energy-intensive businesses operating during the day won’t benefit from cheaper nighttime rates (11:00 PM–8:00 AM).
“When electricity prices go up, everything else follows—packaging, milk, cheese, yogurt,” says Gani Durmishi, head of the Dairy Producers’ Association.
Lulzim Rafuna, President of Kosovo’s Chamber of Commerce, also warned:
“Businesses will be forced to raise prices. This leads to inflation and devalues people’s income.”
Liberalization or Chaos?
The new tariffs do not affect all businesses—only those under 50 employees. Larger companies, starting June 2025, will be required to choose their own energy supplier from the open market.
ZRRE claims this is a step toward market liberalization, but business groups disagree:
- They argue that Kosovo isn’t ready due to a lack of licensed suppliers.
- There are concerns about unregulated pricing and market disruption.
The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce has requested the Ombudsperson to challenge the decision in the Constitutional Court and delay implementation for at least one year.
So far, the Ombudsperson has not responded.
ZRRE maintains that there are 18 licensed energy suppliers and has pledged to monitor all contracts between businesses and energy providers to prevent abuse.
