SHKODRA, July.10- Low water levels in the rivers feeding Albanian power plants has resulted in power cuts are being re-instituted throughout the country.
Officials note the lack of rainfall combined with a lower than usual snow melt has resulted in water levels 20 cm below normal at the country’s main hydroelectric dams. Additionally, at the Koman unit the water level is only 10 meters from the point where the plant will have to be temporarily shut down.
Due to the low water levels, Albania risks being involved in a very critical power crisis. The deteriorating situation is already causing four to eight hour power outages in cities while rural areas, as usual, have prolonged electricity shortages. The government currently purchases imported energy at an estimated amount of 7 million kilowatt/ hour electric energy daily, a huge outflow of cash from the state budget.
KESH problems
The situation is also worsened by the fact that the Albanian Electro-energy Corporation, KESH, has enormous financial problems, including owing $82 million to taxation authorities and constantly pleading for further debt relief from the Finance Ministry. Also, the corporation is trying to minimize technical losses with punitive campaigns for non-paying consumers.
