The Energy Regulatory Office of Kosovo (ZRRE) announced on Friday that it has proposed a 15% increase in electricity prices for the upcoming month.
According to a post on ZRRE’s official Facebook page, based on the results of its consultative report on the maximum allowable revenues, the average price increase for consumers is expected to be around 15%. ZRRE invited consumers for public consultation on this proposal.
ZRRE reviews and sets annual electricity tariffs, which are announced every April 1st and are valid until March 31st of the following year.
Several energy companies in Kosovo, including the System, Transmission, and Market Operator (KOST), the Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS), and the Kosovo Energy Supply Company (KESCO), recently requested the energy regulator to raise electricity tariffs due to the need for energy imports.
ZRRE is inviting consumers, regular enterprises, and interested parties to participate in public consultations regarding the proposed 15% electricity tariff increase. The regulator is accepting comments and suggestions until March 28th before making a final decision.
Last year, ZRRE reduced electricity prices for commercial and industrial consumers by 3%. However, in 2023, tariffs were raised by 15% for all consumer categories.
Currently, consumers using up to 800 kilowatt-hours per month pay 7.79 cents per kilowatt during the day, while those using more than 800 kilowatt-hours are charged 14.45 cents for the excess. From 10 PM to 7 AM, the price is 3.34 cents per kilowatt for those using up to 800 kilowatt-hours and 6.81 cents for higher consumption.
Earlier in March, former Energy Minister Ethem Çeku warned Radio Free Europe that the increase in electricity prices was inevitable. He suggested that in order to reduce the amount of energy imports, Kosovo needs to increase domestic production, particularly through renewable energy sources.
Kosovo does not meet the electricity needs of its 1.6 million citizens, so it imports from foreign markets. The country has the capacity to produce about 800 megawatts per hour, while in winter, daily demand can reach up to 1,300 megawatts per hour.
One of the reasons for underproduction is the decades-old age of Kosovo’s coal-fired power plants, Kosovo A and Kosovo B. Currently, over 20% of Kosovo’s electricity is produced from alternative sources, such as hydroelectric plants, wind farms, and solar panels.
Kosovo authorities have stated that the goal is for 35% of electricity to be generated from renewable sources after 2031, according to the country’s Energy Strategy 2022-2031. This strategy focuses on investments in renewable energy, including the modernization of at least one unit of the Kosovo A thermal power plant.
