“Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske” is the first in the Balkans to operate this many hydroelectric power plants. In the next month, the signing of an agreement on financing the construction project of the solar power plant “Trebinje one” with a Hungarian company is expected.
Luka Petrović, the General Director of “Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske,” stated in an interview with Srna that all companies within “Elektroprivreda” achieved positive results in the past four years, and this year’s is expected to be the largest in history.
He emphasized that 2023 was optimal for electricity supply and trade, with current indicators suggesting it to be the most successful since the establishment of “Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske.”
COMPANIES ACHIVED PRODUCTION HIGHER THAN PLANNED
Petrović mentioned that this year had above-average hydrological conditions, and production companies exceeded their planned production, resulting in additional revenue.
Petrović mentioned that in 2023, regarding distribution companies, significant investments were made, resulting in reduced distribution losses.
He noted that the revenues of these companies are determined by the Regulatory Agency for Energy, specifically from the distribution network fee. The task for electric distribution companies in 2024 will be to strengthen with new staff and increase salaries for field experts.
ELECTRICITY PRICES MOST FAVORABLE IN THE REGION
Petrović emphasized that household electricity supply is regular.
The price of electricity up to 500 kilowatt-hours, as well as from 500 to 1,500, is the most favorable in the region, and for over 1,500 kilowatt-hours, the price is in line with regional rates – Petrović stated.
He emphasized that “Elektroprivreda” managed to sustain all the investments it initiated with low prices.
Market supply, or the supply to businesses in Srpska, is conducted at a price of 65 euros, while the price in Croatia ranges from 120 to 180 euros, and in Serbia, it is 131 euros – Petrović stated.
“ELEKTROPRIVREDA” FIRST IN THE BALKANS IN HYDROELECTRIC PLANT CONSTRUCTION
Petrović mentioned that, with the guarantee of the Government of Republika Srpska, a comprehensive contract has been defined for the “Dabar” hydroelectric plant. He added that work is in progress for the “Mrsovo” hydroelectric plant with a Turkish company, along with a system of three hydroelectric plants on the Bistrica River.
He stated that “Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske” is the first in the Balkans to operate this many hydroelectric plants.
Regarding the “Trebinje one” solar power plant, Petrović mentioned collaboration with a Hungarian company, expressing the belief that financing for the project will be signed in the next month.This plant will increase its capacity to 146 megawatts using new technologies and the possibility of installing higher-power panels – Petrović stated.
He stated that, following KFV bank’s withdrawal from the “Hrgud” wind farm project, the project will commence next year in collaboration with a new investor. There has been a change in the wind turbine’s capacity, which will now be 60 megawatts.
COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT FOR “ELEKTROPRIVREDA” EMPLOYEES BEST IN SRPSKA
Petrović mentioned that “Elektroprivreda Srpske” has a close collaboration with the Union, with whom they have defined and agreed on resolving numerous issues, collective agreements, and rights.
“The collective agreement for workers of ‘Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske’ is the best in the Republic of Srpska; our earnings are far higher than in all other systems in the Republic of Srpska. This is the merit of all 8,897 workers and the management bodies in all companies,” said Petrović.
“ELEKTROPRIVREDA” SUPPORTS MUNICIPALITIES IN SRPSKA
Petrović stated that “Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske” makes a significant impact on local communities in Srpska through investments in infrastructure, water supply, and sewage networks. He mentioned that roads in Višegrad have been asphalted, a new reservoir is operational in Trebinje, and in Bileća, the water supply network will be repaired through the “Hidroelektrane na Trebišnjici” project.
“Hidroelektrana Dabar has contributed to the development of the municipalities Berkovići and Nevesinje, both through employment opportunities and infrastructure,” stated Petrović.
He added that “Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske” will continue to be a strong supporter of sports in 2024. Petrović emphasized that all students graduating from technical faculties are welcome to join the “Elektroprivreda” holding system, highlighting the importance of remaining in a developing system.
PROCUREMENTS OF A FACILITY FOR COAL PORIFICATION FOR THE “GACKO” THERMAL POWER PLANT
Petrović mentioned that they have decided to procure a major facility for coal purification at the Gacko Thermal Power Plant, where the entire segment of the power plant will be built in the next two years. He added that they are in the development phase of the project for the northern perimeter channel, which will prevent water from entering the mining pit in Gacko.
According to his statements, due to the arbitration tribunal’s ruling regarding the Ugljevik Thermal Power Plant and the Slovenian power company, the finalization of all elements of the agreement is in its concluding stages.
We will have to supply one-third of the electrical energy at a price lower than the current one, and we will have to cover the principal costs to Elektrogospodarstvo Slovenije. In this way, Elektroprivreda will partly lose its revenue due to the impossibility of purchasing one-third of the energy from Ugljevik – Petrović said.
He believes that with proper management, they will be able to maintain the financial stability of the system and continue with ongoing investments.
Petrović expressed gratitude for the support from the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, and the Government of Srpska, acknowledging their understanding of all the ideas of “Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske” and the expansion of stability in this system
Source: RTRS
