Secretariat expresses concern about regulatory uncertainty in Kosovo*

During their mission to Kosovo*, Director Lorkowski, Deputy Director Buschle and Electricity Expert Kllokoqi met the Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi, Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli and Deputy Minister for Environment, Spatial Panning and Infrastructure Linda Cavderbasha. They also held meetings with representatives of the Parliamentary Committee responsible for energy, the Energy Regulatory Office and other energy stakeholders. The discussions focused on the transposition of the Clean Energy for all European Package, the forthcoming Network Codes and Guidelines for electricity, Kosovo*’s Energy Strategy and the National Energy and Climate Plan. The Secretariat committed to support the Kosovan authorities in developing the legal acts necessary for regional market integration and attracting investments in renewables.

The visit coincided with a recent decision of the Court of Appeal which confirms the decision of the court of first instance of Kosovo “Gjykata Themelore Prishtinë” suspending the decision of the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) on the applicable regulated tariff for universal electricity supply. The decision puts into question the applicable universal service tariff until the final court decision.

At a meeting with the Energy Regulatory Office, the Secretariat emphasized the responsibility of the regulatory authority in ensuring clarity and well-functioning of the electricity sector. It also noted that regulatory uncertainty may have a detrimental impact on Kosovo*’s electricity sector, which is already under stress at a time of high energy prices.

Director Lorkowski said: “One of the core tasks of any regulatory authority is to provide certainty and clarity. Eliminating the ambiguity created should be the highest priority of the Kosovo* authorities.”

^{* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.}