Residents in northern Kosovo are protesting against new electricity bills, with many refusing to pay after years of living without payment obligations.
For the first time in 2024, people in the four northern municipalities of Leposavi?, Zubin Potok, Mitrovica North, and Zve?an are being asked to pay for the energy they use.
This change follows a deal under the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, where Serbian-owned Elektrosever took over billing and energy distribution in the region.
However, many locals are pushing back, saying the billing system is flawed, with outdated meters and, in some cases, inflated charges.
Sava, from Mitrovica North, told Radio Free Europe, “I’m not going to pay. The meters in our building are old and haven’t been replaced. I’ll pay once they fix them.”
Mirko, from Leposavi?, agrees, adding, “The bills are inaccurate. I won’t pay until they replace the meters and everything is properly set up.”
Despite the protests, the energy regulator, ZRRE, reports that over €2 million has been collected from these areas. But payments are still far lower than actual consumption.
Regulator urges action
The ZRRE says around 24,000 consumers live in these areas, but nearly 600 still lack electricity meters. The regulator has urged Elektrosever to take swift action to fix the issues and ensure accurate billing.
Former Energy Minister Ethem Çeku shared his thoughts: “It’s unacceptable for some people to refuse payment while others cover their costs. Energy is a product like any other, and it must be paid for.”
He also emphasized the role of international pressure in resolving the issue. “This is an economic matter, not a political one. If people continue refusing to pay, their electricity should be cut off,” he said.
A long-standing issue
Since 1999, residents in these northern municipalities have not had to pay for electricity, with their debts covered by other parts of Kosovo and later by KOSTT (Kosovo’s Transmission System Operator) and government subsidies.
But in 2023, KOSTT was relieved of this responsibility, and Elektrosever took over billing, following an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia.
As tensions over unpaid bills continue to rise, Kosovo is also facing an energy crisis, with increased demand due to low temperatures and power shortages this winter.
