Kosovo’s Ombudsperson urged the Energy Regulatory Office, ERO, to suspend its recent decision to raise electricity tariffs by 16.1 percent, which will be implemented starting on May 1. He warned that the decision was made during a period of institutional instability that threatened citizens’ basic rights and placed a burden on vulnerable groups.

In a public statement on Wednesday, the Ombudsperson said that the decision to raise electricity prices, which the ERO approved on April 16, poses a direct threat to fundamental human rights.

“This situation raises serious concerns about the economic affordability of citizens and equal access to basic services,” the statement reads.

The electricity tariff adjustment reflects a 16.1 percent increase and follows an April 11 decision by ERO’s board to raise the maximum allowed revenues for Kosovo’s electricity supply company, KESCO, the system and market operator, KOSTT, and the distribution company, KEDS.

The Ombudsperson expressed concern that such a decision was taken during an “institutional vacuum,” without a constituted Assembly and without a mandated Government, which has contributed to the lack of the necessary public and institutional debate on issues that are of vital importance to citizens.

According to the Ombudsperson, the government has a legal obligation under the law on Electricity to safeguard the public interest, ensure equal access, and promote social inclusion in energy policies. 

“Decisions that so directly affect the well-being of citizens must be comprehensive, based on in-depth social analysis and be undertaken only at a time when institutions are functional and coordinated to protect the general social interest,” the statement adds further.

The Ombudsperson also noted the need for greater transparency and accountability from independent bodies such as ERO, especially when decisions significantly affect public welfare.

The decision to raise electricity prices has triggered public opposition, with several protests against it.

According to the ERO, the 16 percent increase reflects rising demand, a lack of local production, and a rise in the price of imported energy.

“Because most countries in the region are net importers, cross-border networks are often overloaded. This leads to increased prices for using cross-border lines for imports,” it explained in its consultative reports before approving the increase.