New CEZ Albania country manager takes over

TIRANA, Feb. 7 – Facing a deterioration in its finances and failing to have power prices increased for the 2012-2014 period, distribution power operator, CEZ Shperndarje, part of Czech-Republic based CEZ Group, has introduced its new country director in Albania “based on the Group necessity to strengthen its business in Albania and to focus on further development in the region.” Jaroslav Macek, a former Chief Operation Officer to Country Manager for CEZ`s business in Albania, has been promoted to country manager, replacing Josef Hejsek, who held this position for two and a half years soon after the company took over the majority stake of former OSSH.
“I am sure that Mr. Macek will bring stability for CEZ in Albania. At this moment, our business in the region requires an increase in the performance, long term vision and high standards.” said Tomas Pleskac, Chief Officer of International Division of CEZ, a.s.
“I am honored to be appointed for this position and I am taking this as my personal challenge. I want to prove that CEZ can make in Albania a successful business and, as I told before, to show our Albanian customers that we are here to stay,” said Macek.
Facing financial difficulty due to failing to improve energy losses, thefts and its bill collection rates CEZ Shperndarje has also failed to pay off debts to state-owned power utility KESH which is in severe financial situation due to lack of rainfall, and staggering prices of imported electricity.
KESH says distribution system operator CEZ Shperndarje owes the Albanian Power Corporation 55 million Euro for unpaid energy since July 2010. CEZ also claims a dozen million of Euros in unpaid electricity especially from state owned institutions, the majority of them being water supply companies. In March 2009, CEZ signed a contract with the Albanian government after buying 76 percent of OSSH’s state-owned shares for 102 million Euros.