Dependent enterprise (ZP) Elektrokrajina a.d. Banja Luka, the biggest distribution within utility holding Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske (ERS) Trebinje, is expecting approval from the board of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a loan worth EUR 15 million. The target date is September 7, the financing institution said, adding it is considering the endeavour to facilitate the reconstruction of medium and low-voltage networks, the reconstruction of substations and the introduction of smart metering.
EBRD said it will engage with ZP Elektrokrajina to perform a thorough corporate governance review and recommendation how to bring the company to best international standards.
The project summary document cites the potential to reduce losses by installing protected cables and substations as well as new meters. The scheme is also aimed at improving collections.
The project is expected to lead to operational improvements in the grid, in particular to reduce distribution losses through the reconstruction of medium and low-voltage networks and the introduction of advanced metering, the statement said. EBRD said it will engage with Elektrokrajina to perform a thorough corporate governance review and recommendation how to bring the company to best standards in compliance with international norms and codes. The distribution firm, which has 1,700 employees, covers half of power consumers in 16 municipalities in the Republic of Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
