KESH head appeals energy prices

TIRANA, March 5- The approved rise of energy prices by ERE that see the energy price spike up by 18 percent starting from march1 has not satisfied the request presented by KESH that sought a 38 percent spike. Head of KESH, Gjergji Bojaxhi said that ERE should reconsider the decision, which affects the value of the company hence lowering its chances to be privatized at a favorable price. This measure Bojaxhi aid will continue to put the corporation in a difficult financial situation forcing it to take out more debt. “ERE should explain the reasons why it refused the request of KESH and should also explain how it came up with these new tariffs,” said Bojaxhi. The increase in energy prices for family consumers that use more then 300 kilowatt/ hour will be 72 percent while for business is 50 percent. Experts say that the measure will not change things. KESH losses for 2007 were $ 152 million.