Shoe manufacturer Solid, based in Suhareka, is warning that it will move its operations to Kukes, Albania, if ongoing electricity problems are not resolved.
The company's owner, Ahmet Kuçi, expresses deep concern about the power outages and high additional costs, describing the situation as "very difficult."
According to Kuçi, the company has sued the distribution operator KEDS over the matter, but the legal process remains unresolved. Kuçi points out that KEK (Kosovo Energy Corporation) has requested a guarantee of 15,000 euros from the company, without providing any valid explanation for this request. Furthermore, the last energy bill was 2,200 euros higher than normal.
Kuçi expresses doubts that this guarantee request is being used as a pretext to increase energy prices.
The company “Solid”, which has been operating for about 20 years and exports over 76% of its production, is under great pressure due to long-term contracts with European partners. “We cannot stop,” says Kuçi, adding that their work is connected to international partners and that they cannot stop production, despite unexpected costs.
Business warns of economic crisis
The Kosovo Business Alliance sounded the alarm about the deep energy crisis that is hitting businesses in Kosovo, announcing that the sudden and violent interruption of electricity supply has put over 200 companies with more than 10,000 employees out of operation.
The President of the AKB, Agim Shahini, in a press conference harshly criticized the actions of KEDS and the Kosovo Police, describing them as "serious legal violations" and "abuse of authority".
"Today we are facing an unprecedented crisis. KEDS, with the assistance of the Police, has cut off power to over 1,200 electricity meters involving more than 200 companies and over 10,000 workers, causing great damage to the economy and the image of the country," said Shahini.
The clashes between business and the Kosovo government came after the Energy Regulatory Office's decision to disconnect large businesses from the public energy supply, forcing them to find energy on the free market.
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