By Gezim Kasapolli

SLUG: Last April, the Kosovo Assembly adopted the Law on Energy, Electricity and Energy Regulator that was later promulgated by the SRSG, which will be the basis for the Energy policy in Kosovo.

Hello and welcome to UNMIK on air.

Last April, Kosovo Assembly adopted the Law on Energy, Electricity and Energy Regulator that was later promulgated by the SRSG [Special Representative to the Security General of the UN]. These laws will be the basis for the Energy policy in Kosovo, and they will define the basic principles for the energy strategy and energy programs.

As well, these laws will define the conditions for performing the generation, transmission, distribution, supply, trade, import and transit of electricity.

For the past 5 years this noise was a part of everyday lives for all Kosovans, and the need for a proper law that would regulate the electric system in Kosovo was stressed on many occasions.

But, it took five long years in order for this law to be compiled and ultimately applied in Kosovo.

Among these laws, the Law on Energy Regulator is no doubt one of the most important for Kosovo’s citizens.

This law contains Rules on Licensing, Pricing, and Tariffs as well as the rule on Payment and Disconnections that was always an sticking point for Kosovans.

Dr. Lorik Haxhiu is the Head of Energy Supply and Market Structure Department in the European Union [EU], and he praises the work that went in to drafting this law, saying that it covers all energy related issues.

Dr. Lorik Hazhiu: “The Law for Energy Regulator established the Energy regulator Office and defines the responsibilities, powers and functions of the Office. The Office was established in 2003 and now it consists of 4 departments: Department for Licensing and Legal Issues, Department for Energy Supply and Market Structure and the Department for Prices and Tariffs.”

This law was initially adopted by the Kosovo Assembly and then promoted by the SRSG’s Office.

According to Bajrush Xhemajli, Head of the Commission for drafting the law, it’s complexity, especially for Kosovo, imposes the need for all components of Kosovo’s society to be involved in its application.

Bajrush Xhemajli: “Kosovo institutions are responsible for applying this law, since the energy law determines the development strategy for the energy, the conditions for development of the market and promotes and promises investments in Kosovo. These laws will attract investors who will be able to apply, of course besides KEK. So, for all this the engagement of all Kosovo institutions is necessary because KEK is of great importance for Kosovo.”

KEK [Kosovo’s Energetic Corporation] was no doubt one of the most debated issues in recent (Kosovo) history. However, the rules and conditions of this law will apply also for this so-called Kosovo business giant says Haxhiu.

Haxhiu: “KEK also has to go through some reforms. As we all know KEK is a vertically integrated company that consists of the production division, transmission division, dispatching, distribution and supply division. When we talk about opening the market we have to ensure the connection in the network for all those future producers and all future participants in the market. In short, this means that a new system operator should be created that will enable the connection of other parts in the network.”

With this system in place the costumers will be well informed about the services that are offered to them and will have the law behind them, Haxhiu adds.

Haxhiu: “For the consumer this law means that the bill that they receive will state clearly all the tariffs for the services that are necessary for transferring the energy to the consumer. The bill will show the tariff for using the network, tariff for distribution, tariff of the supply and so on.”

The main purpose of this law is most definitely a better and a more consistent energy supply and more affordable tariffs that are the main concern for citizens of Kosovo.

This law will also determine the rules and demands for companies that want to be licensed as energy providers – companies besides KEK, says Bajrush Xhemajli.

Bajrush Xhemajli: “The consumer will no doubt benefit the most since the approved law will take up the issue of prices - something which the consumer will benefit from. The prices should be reasonable and competitive with all those companies who will apply to be licensed. On these bases the consumer will feel much safer because he will have energy permanently ensured by the contract that will be signed during the process of licensing.”

With this law in place Kosovans ostensibly will no longer worry if their future will be “bright” since it will guarantee the conditions for a safe, reliable, efficient and permanent supply of electricity that will gradually improve the standards of such things like environmental protection.

And that is all for this edition of UNMIK on air - thanks for listening and stay tuned for more.