UNMIK/PR/778
Saturday 20 July 2002

SRSG Michael Steiner forms Energy Committee

Pristina – SRSG Michael Steiner went to Obiliq where he toured the damaged Kosovo B power plant and met with KEK officials and workers. Kosovo B power plant was struck by lightening during a storm late Friday night.

“There is no doubt that this is a tragedy,” said SRSG Michael Steiner. “We have lost one person and I want to extend my condolences to his family. Thirty-two other people were also wounded. And we also lost nearly 500 megawatts of power capacity, so it is a very serious situation.”

“At the same time, I was very impressed at how the different institutions – international and Kosovan alike – reacted to and managed the crisis,” continued SRSG Michael Steiner. “My congratulations go out to the fire brigade, the KPS, KFOR, the KPC and KEK workers and management.”

“Now we have to address how to handle the situation. It makes no sense to hide the fact that we will now have shortages. We have lost half of our capacity. This is bad for the economy and a serious issue for wintertime. Consumers will have to adapt their habits and use less electricity. It is summertime now and this will make it easier.”

“I have also just formed a committee called the Energy Committee. It will meet tomorrow at 10 o’clock in my office. I have spoken to the Prime Minister about it. This will be an integrated committee with no distinction made between internationals and locals.”

“Despite the seriousness of the situation, we can overcome the hardships if we follow the example of those on the ground who did a great job responding to the crisis.