The Ministries of Energy and Interior, and the Operator of Power Distribution (OSHEE) published today, in an extended meeting in the presence of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the results achieved so far in the national operation against theft or abuse of energy.

Data and indicators in the sector of power distribution for 2014 and, especially, after the measures in view of the operation against the abuse of energy were considered positive and encouraging for the recovery of the Company. Minister of Energy Damian Gjiknuri said that a lot has been done in such extremely difficult situation, but he reiterated that payment of energy is an investment for the future not only of the sector. “Payment of energy and restructuring, of the energy fee without making the burden to citizens heavier, but taking it to fair parameters, is above all a contribution to their future, a contribution to investments in the energy system and energy security of the country” – Gjiknuri said.

While Minister of Interior Samir Tahiri called the operation, above all a “nation-building operation, but also an educational one to stop the theft of electricity and to substantially sanction equality of citizens before the law.”

Director of OSHEE Ardian Çela considered 2014 as a turning point, when the progress of the negative spiral of indicators started to be stopped. “Results, – Çela said – are positive and we can see this. Total monthly invoice receipts have reached 87%, i.e. 10% more than a year ago, the current bill payment has reached 72% and the annual data will mark an increase of 5% compared to the previous year.”

According to OSHEE’s Director, the level of energy has decreased while collections have increased. In 2013 the level of income was 38.1 billion ALL, while in 2014 collections recorded the amount of 49.4 billion ALL, which means 100 million dollars more just for a year. Annual loss in the distribution system was reduced by 7.2%, compared with the same indicator of the previous year.

Director Çela emphasized that the operation has a broad understanding of the citizens, and during 2014 the Company signed 82,215 agreements for the repayment of debts, of which 72,100 were signed by 20 October when a joint action with the police was launched. Only in December, collections reached a record amount of 6.7 billion ALL.

For OSHEE’s Director, current results are an important step in order to go on with the objectives for 2015: reduce the negative balance of the company by expanding it to 18%; reduce over 5% the annual loss in the network; increase collection rates at 85% of current invoice; start an intensive program of investment, only for this year approximately 50 million dollars; reform of customer care by bringing it closer to citizens.

Director General of State Police, Artan Didi mentioned the contribution of the State Police in this operation, which was engaged in joint action with OSHEE. “744 people were arrested in flagrante, of which 583 are businesses. 66 OSHEE employees were identified who were involved in illegal activities, such as theft of electricity, facilitation or assistance in stealing. 51,219 illegal connections have been cut”- Didi said.

Determination of all structures to thoroughly fight energy theft or abuse was reiterated during this meeting.