The Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo has requested the Energy Regulatory Office (ZRrE) to temporarily suspend its decision to raise electricity tariffs by 16.1%, citing potential harm to public interest.
In a rare move, the Ombudsperson has imposed a temporary measure directly against ZRrE, a step taken when there are suspicions that an institutional decision may violate public rights or interests. If ZRrE does not comply, the case may be escalated to a competent court.
“Such interventions are issued when there are signs that the public interest may have been compromised,” the institution said in its reasoning.
Legal Uncertainty and Public Protests
The temporary measure will remain in place until a full legal review of ZRrE’s decision is conducted. The regulator had announced on April 11, 2025, a 16.1% price increase for electricity, applicable to all consumers in Kosovo.
The announcement prompted strong backlash from citizens, who organized protests in Prishtinë before and after the tariff approval. Demonstrators accused the regulator of ignoring economic hardship and demanded the decision be revoked.
The Ombudsperson’s letter, which has been obtained by Buletini Ekonomik, is expected to be formally delivered to ZRrE today.
