UNMIK/PR/823
Friday, 20 September 2002

SRSG Signs Orders on Disconnection of Electricity and Payment of Debts

PRISTINA - SRSG Michael Steiner today signed two important Administrative Directions 'On Disconnection of Electricity Service' and 'On the Payment of Electricity Debts'.

The Administrative Direction 'On Disconnection' empowers KEK to cut electricity supply to customers for non-payment of bills, fraudulent acquisition or use of electricity services, including theft, wrongful refusal of access to a representative of KEK to inspect electricity equipment or read meters, or one of the other reasons specified in the direction. Customers must pay their electricity bills within 60 days of the receipt of the bill or be cut off from the supply.

Under this direction disconnection cannot be effected without giving prior notice to the customer, listing the grounds for disconnection.

The Administrative Direction 'On the Payment of Electricity Debts' provides for the repayment of debts incurred since October 1, 1999. The repayment schedule will be variable for each customer with a minimum period of three years. All customers will be required to sign a contract with KEK for the supply and payment of electricity. Those who fail to sign such a contract will have their supply disconnected.

Special provision is made in both orders for vulnerable groups and cases of genuine hardship.

SRSG Michael Steiner had recently promised that he would issue orders this week that would enable KEK to act decisively in cases of non-payment. Nearly 60 per cent of KEK customers currently do not pay their electricity bills which seriously affects the smooth operation and maintenance programme of KEK. The administrative directions would enable KEK to regularize its relationship with its customers in Kosovo. Both orders enter into in force from today.

Copies of the orders are available in the UNMIK Press Office.