The informal area of Paskuqan-Babrru-Bathore is becoming a model of how citizens’ contribution to formalize the energy sector is returning to them in the form of investments. By November 2015 this area recorded a significant increase in the collection of energy billed at 116%. 11 thousand indebted subscribers responded to the formalization of the sector and signed the draft agreements with OSHEE. Thanks to this contribution, a significant investment has started in this area for the first time for the construction of new 20 kV network and low voltage lines with ABC lines. Prime Minister Rama inspected the progress of investments in the field, where work is underway for the construction of a 380 kilometer new line, both underground and overhead.
“This a huge volume of investments that has never been done before in amortized distribution network, which for 80% is over 40 years old. It is neither more nor less but the contribution of citizens and families that gave a chance to the state to recover and restore the rule of law in this sector, thus ending an embarrassing era of our country. In addition, this is a contribution to cover a large pit inherited from the past. We will do our best not only for this area where the transformation will be substantial and that the profit for families will be qualitative, but also across Albania, so that everybody will see the value of the investment made by paying electricity. It is not a tax. It is not money they you pay without knowing where it goes, but is a financial contribution that is empowering a company which we found in agony, and which is enabling the normalization of life in the country in this strategic sector”- the prime minister said, while thanking citizens for their efforts to support the formalization of the electricity supply sector.
The area Babrru-Bathore Paskuqan presents a serious problem in terms of electrical infrastructure, where 70% of the cabins have been built by the residents and do not meet any technical standards, while the electrical network does not respond to the pace of urban development of the area. This investment worth 1.7 billion ALL will significantly improve energy supply to the 80 thousand inhabitants of the area. In addition to explaining the parameters of the investment, director of OSHEE Adrian Çela said that it will be efficient starting later this year.
“There are six lots, sites that we have opened in the entire area Paskuqan-Babrru-Bathore. The investment amounts to 1.7 billion new ALL. The good thing of this investment is that being divided into 6 lots, these can be used independently. 70% of the investment will be efficient within next year, while the rest by the end of March. It will concern 20 thousand subscribers, about 80 thousand people, with 200 kilometers of aerial cable and 180 kilometers of 20 kV ABC underground line. This whole area has a 6 kV aerial line, and we have started working with the underground line. We are building 180 cabins and putting 3,500 pillars. In addition we will do 6 new feeders. This will turn into a model area”- Çela said.
The quality of electricity supply will increase significantly after this investment, because from 6 kV it is now, the voltage on the network will be 20 kV. The new network will eliminate the cases of theft through double connections, because the new ABC lines make it impossible any attempt to steal energy, thus reducing network losses to 8%.
“We are in an area where currently losses are 45%, and with the completion of this investment technical losses are expected to go down to 8%. The message we want to give is that in addition to improving the quality of supply and reducing illegal interferences in the system, the increased amount of money that we have collected is returning to residents with investments. Collections have increased by 116% compared to the same period of 2014. In this area only we have had over 11 thousand acts of agreement, and citizens are receiving in the form of investments the benefits of the responsibility they’ve shown in restoring legality in the distribution sector of electricity. Together with the ministry we think to build in 2016 a substation in the area, which will become a model area not only for Tirana, but for the whole country, in addition to providing supply of the best quality because the network will be 20 kV, and no interferences will be made in the distribution network, such as stealing of electricity”, the Director of the Distribution Operator informed.
Prime Minister Rama assured that the investments envisaged by 2018 will transform the distribution sector of electricity, from a sector of survival into a sector of benefit for citizens.
“I am convinced that in the years 2016 and 2017 citizens will see personally the great benefit that we are creating together. Just as I am convinced that our strategic program to turn this sector in a profitable sector for Albania and Albanians within the coming years will take its full shape in 2018. Market liberalization and transformation this sector in a sector that does not survive with the taxes of citizens, but on the contrary gives back the benefits to the citizens and to the country is a shared miracle, let’s say, because no one believed that this could happen, and especially in a very short period of time.”
In this inspection, Prime Minister Edi Rama was accompanied by the Minister of Energy and Industry, Damian Gjiknuri.
