The owner of two companies, Hamdi Malushaj, has reacted after the Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) disconnected him from the power grid.

Malushaj wrote on Facebook that businesses are being attacked in an organized manner, under the silence of institutions and in open cooperation with the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO).

“We were cut off from electricity, leaving our workers out on the street. These actions remind us of the unjust decisions of the ’90s – when the strong imposed their will on the weak. This is a direct blow to our economy, our businesses, and our families. We demand urgent reaction and solidarity – today it’s us, tomorrow it could be you. Here is the decision, and they have cut off my power. 1,400 partners are out on the street, to whom I appeal to go before the Government to demand accountability and jobs under equal conditions,” he wrote.

The Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) has announced that it has begun disconnecting over 1,400 metering points of commercial consumers who have not signed an agreement with any supplier licensed by the ERO, as stipulated by the Energy Regulatory Office’s decision of August 13.

The ERO had earlier announced that disconnections would begin on August 16, following the ruling of the Commercial Court in favor of the ERO.

According to the announcement, over 600 smart meters will be disconnected remotely, while the rest will be physically disconnected by KEDS field teams across Kosovo.

Meanwhile, the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce has reacted, reiterating its indignation and strong opposition to the decision of the Energy Regulatory Office, which ordered KEDS to begin disconnecting hundreds of businesses that did not agree with the unacceptable and harmful conditions offered by licensed companies, while others have signed temporary agreements, are awaiting court rulings, and the formation of new state institutions, the Assembly and the Government.

According to the Chamber of Commerce, forced liberalization risks leaving more than 22,000 workers unemployed and severely damaging the economy.

“This arbitrary and irresponsible action is raising consumer prices for two million citizens of the country and risks the dismissal of at least 22,000 workers, severely impacting their families, the domestic economy, and social stability in the country,” the reaction states.