Albanian 
Prishtina, November 4, 2022 – To discuss the security of energy supply, energy tariffs, the increase in energy efficiency, but also the potential for renewable energy, the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo organized a discussion forum on the topic “What winter awaits us in terms of energy supply?”, in which, in addition to representatives of private enterprises, institutional stakeholders responsible for energy issues also participated.
Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli said that consumers in Kosovo should contribute to avoiding the worst scenarios of energy shortages. She said that the main objectives of the country’s institutions include the reduction of general consumption, through stimulation of energy saving and increase of energy efficiency. Minister Rizvanolli further said that the war in Ukraine has influenced the entire European continent, including the member states of the European Union, to face an uncertain situation in terms of electricity supply. The minister also announced the announcement of auctions in the following months, for granting licenses to companies interested in generating electricity from solar and wind sources.
The Chairman of the Board of the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) Ymer Fejzullahu recalled the establishment of new energy tariffs in February of this year, and the non-increase of tariffs for businesses, evaluating it as a fair decision, despite great opposition. He emphasized that ERO continues to insist on the realization of all planned capital investments in both transmission and supply infrastructure. He also announced the easing of criteria regarding the licensing of generating capacities for self-consumption purposes. Fejzullahu also spoke about the need to complete the liberalization of the energy market, emphasizing the benefits that consumers would have from the transition to a free market.
Mimoze Veliu, Circular Economy Analyst at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), emphasized the importance of focusing on circular economy activities, including the systematic treatment of waste, thus influencing the ecological aspect, but also in the creation of new energy capacities.
Ilir Ibrahimi, representative of the private sector, expressed his concern about the energy supply for the upcoming winter. He added that the energy supply is at risk and that institutions must urgently address the great demand, focusing also on the diversification of energy sources.