According to media reports, CEZ is applying extra tariffs for every kilowatt if daily household consumption exceeds 10kWh
TIRANA, July 11 – The Energy Regulatory Entity (ERE) has launched a preliminary enquiry into CEZ Shperndarje, the Czech owned company which has the majority stake in the country’s distribution system, following allegations of abuse in the billing system by citizens.
Citizens complain that CEZ is applying another billing system measuring power on a daily basis and not on monthly basis as it used to do. According to media reports, CEZ is applying extra tariffs for every kilowatt if daily household consumption exceeds 10kWh.
Last December, ERE’s board of commissioners decided to continue applying the two-tier price level, under which Albanian households will pay 7.7 lek/kWh for a consumption of up to 300 kWh a month and 13.5 lek for each kWh they consume above the 300 kWh threshold.
However, CEZ has neither accepted nor denied allegations of abuse.
Earlier this year, ERE accused CEZ of not being fair with consumers, issuing arbitrary bills and overcharging consumers during 2010. ERE also raised the concern of delays by CEZ in treating consumer complaints, despite the establishment of the Customer Care Centre.
Albanian household and business consumers will sign new electricity contracts with CEZ Shperndarje, starting next September. The new draft contract obliges CEZ to provide 24/7 power supply and compensate household and business consumers in case of power failures.
CEZ Shperndarje has recently announced it has borrowed 100 million euros from the EBRD and the IFC to upgrade the country’s dilapidated power grid where electricity losses are estimated at 30 percent.
