All medium, large businesses in Albania are now in free electricity market

Consumers connected to the 6 kV electricity network in Albania are legally obligated to find a private supplier on the free market by January 1, 2026. The move represents the completion of a multi-year transition for industrial and commercial users.

On January 1, 2026, all medium and large businesses in Albania will be part of the liberalized electricity market.

Scheduled to join are 2,300 firms and institutions.

The newcomers in the market must find a supplier from the list of licensed entities, Albania’s Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE) said.

The liberalization process began in 2018

Those who fail to secure a contract by the deadline will be covered by the supplier of last resort for a maximum of 60 days under regulated conditions to prevent power cuts, according to the update.

The 6 kV level is the final stage of the liberalization process, which began in 2018. It started with 35 kV, followed by 20 kV in 2024 and 10 kV in 2025.

Only small businesses and households remain under regulated supply. Regulated prices are set by ERE.

There are about 40 licensed suppliers in Albania

Small businesses, connected to the 0.4 kV grid, are still the responsibility of the universal supplier. This service is provided by Furnizuesi i Shërbimit Universal, a subsidiary of OSHEE, the state-owned power distribution operator.

ERE recently confirmed that electricity prices for universal service customers would remain unchanged until December 31, 2026.

Of note, there are about 40 licensed suppliers in Albania. Businesses can compare offers using ERE’s online platform. Of note, the Albanian Power Exchange (ALPEX) started its operations in April 2023.

Energy Community Secretariat: Complete liberalization is behind schedule

In its latest Annual Implementation Report, from November, the Energy Community Secretariat said that the complete liberalization of the retail electricity market remains behind schedule.

Households and small businesses connected to the 0.4 kV network continue to be supplied under regulated tariffs by the universal supplier, the report reads.

Consumers connected to the 6 kV network are covered by the supplier of last resort (SLR), and this regime was extended until December 31, 2025, the secretariat pointed out.