Decision on electricity price increase by end July

By the end of the month it will be known whether electricity price is increased or not, which mostly depends on flood rehabilitation funds granted to EPS (Electric Power Industry of Serbia), says the chairman of EPS Aleksandar Obradovic for the state-run RTS.

- Absolute priority is to enable "Kolubara" mining basin by winter time – claims Obradovic.

Acting Managing Director of "Electric Power Industry of Serbia" Aleksandar Obradovic explains that the major priority at the moment is mining basin "Kolubara", which needs to be enabled to operate at full capacity.

- Regular daily production at this mine is about 90,000 tons of coal, while it is only 45,000 today. Crucial problem is coal which makes 70% of electricity in Serbia – said Obradovic in an interview for "Dnevnik" at RTS.

Reorganization of EPS has never been more urgent, he claims.

- On one hand, we are struggling to maintain energetic stability of the system, and on the other, we have to reduce costs as much as possible. We need efficiency and mistakes are not allowed – explains Obradovic.

In normal conditions EPS imports and exports electricity, however, due to the floods, the import of electricity is currently increased.

- If "Kolubara" basin is enabled soon, situation will change. Electricity price increase would not solve the problem - says Aleksandar Obradovic.