© Gareth Fuller/PAJillian Ambrose
In a statement, the KEDS said that two hour-long power outages hours would affect everyone within the next 24 hours and would last until further notice.
"As we are facing world's worst electricity crisis, the Transmission System and Market Operator - KOSTT, based on applicable laws, has instructed us to start with electricity restrictions," KEDS said in a statement.
Kosovo is reliant on power production from its obsolete coal-fired plants. To cope with outages, many businesses and households across the country brought out portable power generators.
Kosovo's government has allocated 20 million euros to import electricity, which according to the Prime Minister Albin Kurti is up to seven times higher than during the same period last year when the price of a MW/h stood at around 60 euros. The country of 1.8 million is now importing around 40 percent of its electricity needs. Energy consumption has increased in sub-zero winter temperatures when most consumers are using it for heating.
Comment: It's likely that Kosovo, due to its weaker economy, is just the first of many governments that will be forced to ration energy this winter - although China had began rationing energy in mid-September. However, even if the (supposedly) affluent nations do manage to find provisions, the prohibitive costs will mean that some will have little choice but to suffer the cold in the depths of winter, whilst others will find themselves faced with more unmanageable bills, on top of soaring inflation costs and reduced income after 20+ months of government enforced, rolling lockdowns:
- European gas prices surge again to "astounding" new record highs, Germany's block on Nord Stream II gas pipeline continues
- China suffering power shortages, limits factories working hours, situation expected to worsen entering winter
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