A package of energy-saving measures will be announced on Thursday (8 September) to help Albanians save vital energy amid the brewing crisis, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Belinda Balluku.
She said the package would be presented by herself and Prime Minister Edi Rama while adding that some drastic measures would be necessary to save energy.
“Regarding the 800 KW/hour band starting from 1 October, there will be some other drastic measures. Tomorrow we will present the energy-saving package,” said Balluku, referring to a higher tariff payable by those who use more energy.
She noted that public area lighting is already turned off after 22:00. She hinted at changes to operating hours for industry and other general measures, adding that Germany and other countries have already taken similar steps.
Earlier this month, she advised people to wash their clothes at 30 degrees to save energy. This was followed by the Albanian Electricity Corporation, which asked citizens to turn off lights to conserve energy.
So far, prices are yet to rise in the country, partly due to government subsidies and the fact that most of the power used since the outbreak of war in Ukraine has been generated locally with hydropower. But this drops during the winter, and the country has to buy energy from the international market, which the Russian war has significantly impacted.
