UNMIK/PR/779
PRISTINA – SRSG Michael Steiner today held the first meeting of the Energy Committee, a committee created to solve the problems stemming from Friday evening’s lightening strike to the Kosovo B power plant in Obiliq. The Energy Committee met for approximately one hour and its members included Prime Minister Rexhepi (representing the government), officials from UNMIK and the Chairman of the KEK Supervisory Board.
In a press conference following the meeting, SRSG Michael Steiner outlined what had been discussed.
“The purpose of the Energy Committee will be to oversee and coordinate all measures that need to be taken following the lightening strike on Kosovo B. Today we heard preliminary reports from the police commissioner about what happened as well as from KEK and Pillar 4 (of UNMIK) on the damage and consequences.”
SRSG Michael Steiner then went on to explain the three basic points of the Energy Committee’s inaugural meeting.
“First we will conduct a thorough investigation by the police’s Serious Crime Squad. Let me make one thing clear. Our findings conclude that the fire was started by lightening that struck Kosovo B at 8:30 on Friday night. We have no indication that there was any other cause than natural causes. The preliminary police report will be presented on Wednesday evening.”
“Secondly, both B plants, 1 and 2, have suffered significant damage and have now lost capacity for some time. We will have power cuts and the public will be informed about them as quickly as possible.”
Third, we will outline a preliminary program on the rehabilitation measures that will need to be taken. This report will be presented also on Wednesday. So by Wednesday evening you can expect the preliminary report on the program of rehabilitation and the report from the police investigation. At this time, and based on the information provided, the Energy Committee will meet again to decide upon further action.”
“I have phoned President Rugova and Assembly President Daci. We have the full support of the President and the Assembly for our approach,” said SRSG Michael Steiner. “It is important that the responsible members of the international community as well as the Government sit together and coordinate all further actions in an integrated, common approach. In events like this you have to work together.”
“What happened was tragic, but it also showed the exemplary way in which the international community, KFOR and Kosovo emergency services can work together efficiently,” added SRSG Michael Steiner. “Their quick and coordinated action prevented many more casualties and much more damage.”
“We need to work in this same spirit as we handle the consequences of what has happened. We will develop measures together and the people of Kosovo can help. We need to change habits of electricity consumption. For example, those who use air conditioners will have to reduce consumption. Everyone in Kosovo must think personally about how they can use less electricity. You must think before you switch.”
“We also have to think about winter and plan ahead on alternate ways of heating. Whatever happens we will have to import electricity. This will be expensive. Electricity is not for free. So people must pay their bills.”
