Energy regulator: Citizens affected by meter deviations will be compensated

PRISHTINA, April 22, 2026 — The Kosovo Energy Regulatory Office (ZRRE) announced on Wednesday that citizens affected by deviations in their electricity meters will be compensated for unfair bills. The decision comes after hundreds of complaints from consumers reporting readings outside the norm and large discrepancies in monthly bills.

According to the regulator own data, the problem has affected meters mainly in various neighbourhoods of Prishtina, Fushë Kosova and Lipjan. Some citizens received bills several times above their average, forcing many families to request technical reviews and to file formal complaints.

Compensation procedure

ZRRE has instructed the energy supplier KESCO and the distribution operator KEDS to begin examining the reported meters and to refund overcharged amounts. Consumers will be notified through new bills reflecting the relevant credits.

Consumer-association representatives have welcomed the decision but stressed the process must be transparent and overseen by an independent audit. They recalled that, in the past, corrections have been partial and delayed.

A ZRRE official stated that “citizens who paid more than they should have will be reimbursed or credited in future bills,” emphasising the regulator commitment to consumer protection.

The case has revived discussion on the need to modernise energy-metering infrastructure and to install smart meters that would allow real-time reading and prevent deviations. Distribution companies have promised investments, but progress remains limited.

Kosovo continues to face major challenges in its energy sector, including ageing thermal plants and reliance on imports during winter months. Energy prices remain regulated, but rising operational costs are creating pressure for new tariffs, which would weigh on lower-income families.

ZRRE said it will publish a quarterly report on the status of complaints and the progress of compensation.

Source: Koha.