Harsher steps for illegal consumers; fewer power losses in Gjirokastra

GJIROKASTRA, Oct. 22 – Stronger steps against illegal users of power supply, some 500 of them, have resulted in the reduction of the losses to 18-20 percent in Gjirokastra district, compared to 60 percent last year. Some 500 consumers, mainly individuals, have been fined. Some ‘deals’ between consumer and those who prepare the consuming bills have come to the attention of the authorities. Tepelena, Saranda and Delvina are more problematic while Gjirokastra has good revenue and no great losses. The power supply has been problematic in post-communist Albania with many cuts due to power shortages coming not only from dry weather (most of electricity production is made in hydro power stations), but also bad management, little money collection from consumers and other corruption phenomena.