UNMIK/PR/439
PRESS RELEASE - 6 December 2000

SRSG Opens Refurbished Electricity Plant

PRISTINA---SRSG Dr. Bernard Kouchner yesterday re-launched unit B2 of Kosovo B power plant, which underwent major overhaul over the last five months. The refurbished plant will daily generate about 250 MW. The project, which cost 40 million Euros (approximately 80 million DM), was financed by the European Union through the European Agency for Reconstruction.

Dr. Kouchner and Mr. Hugues Mingarelli, director of the European Agency for Reconstruction, ceremonially pressed a button that restarted the power plant which will serve as a long-term and reliable source of energy for all Kosovars.

While praising the efforts of the European Union for rebuilding Kosovo's infrastructure and especially the power plant, the SRSG stressed that every consumer of electricity in Kosovo must start paying their bills and use electricity in moderation. So far a mere 25 per cent of the consumers were paying their dues to the KEK, which will make the company unsustainable and unprofitable in the long run. Saying "it is impossible for the European Union to give money for ever" he added that this year Kosovo will not have to face a freezing winter like last year when both Kosovo A and B had broken down.

Mr. Mingarelli announced that the EU will repair and refurbish unit B1 of Kosovo B next year. The two units of Kosovo B together would be able to produce nearly 500 MW of electricity, which would secure the energy supply that Kosovo needs for its economic development. "A reliable source of power is a fundamental aspect of any economic development. Without a steady and stable and power supply it is impossible to bring Kosovo back to normal life".

SRSG Dr. Bernard Kouchner yesterday  also appointed Mr. Engjell Mazreku as the new chairman of the Board of Directors of the KEK, the Kosovo electric company. Mr. Mazreku was a KEK board member responsible for mining prior to being appointed chairman.