TIRANA, July 2 – Heat and the extended period without rain may spark a serious crisis for the power and water supply in the country.
Both institutions appealed to the population to save power and water at this difficult moment.
The Albanian Electro-Energy Corporation, or KESH, said it had reduced production to 8.5 million kWh and imported 6 million kWh. They appealed to the population not to switch on their air conditioners for long periods.
The water reservoir in Fierza in the Drini River, which is considered the main regulator there, has fallen by 10 centimeters per day and the water intake is only 50 percent compared to the last decade.
Most, or 99 percent, of Albania’s power production comes from hydropower plants. The three main ones are in the Drini River in the north.
All that means Albanians may soon begin to suffer regular power cuts during the day, as the water supplies are not expected to improve.
Authorities appealed to the population to carefully monitor their water and not leave taps partially open. They have also started to cut illegal power links and punish others trying to steal water from public pipes.
Weather forecasts predict that hot weather will continue throughout July.
