Elektrokrajina launches three-year, EUR 15 million grid modernization in BiH

Power distribution company Elektrokrajina, a subsidiary of state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske (ERS), has launched a three-year modernization of the distribution network, worth BAM 30 million (about EUR 15 million) and financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), local media reported. Elektrokrajina is the largest distribution company of ERS, supplying 47% or about 255,000 consumers in Republika Srpska.

The modernization officially began with the reconstruction of a 26-kilometer transmission line in Laminci near Gradiška. At the same time, works started in Novi Grad, Prnjavor and Šipovo. Predrag Klincov, a spokesman for Elektrokrajina, said that the investment in the Gradiška area is worth about BAM 4 million (about EUR 2 million), including the replacement of 11 kilometers of power lines in Berek and 6.6 kilometers in Gornji Podgradci. The works are being executed by Banja Luka-based Elnos BL.

The works are being executed by Banja Luka-based Elnos BL

The next phase of the modernization will cover the displacement of meters from consumer facilities, the installation of smart meters, and the introduction of remote collection of electricity consumption data. At this stage, more than 30,000 consumers supplied by Elektrokrajina will receive smart meters, which will secure numerous benefits for consumers and the company, Klincov said.

More than 30,000 consumers supplied by Elektrokrajina will receive smart meters

Elektrokrajina’s intention is to use smart meters to reduce electricity theft.

According to the EBRD’s website, Elektrokrajina has received a loan in March last year towards the cost of the Elektrokrajina Power Distribution Project, which is aimed at: (a) reduction of losses, through the installation of new cables, power lines and new smart meters, which is expected to reduce the overall losses from over 15% to around 10-12%, in line with the cap set by the Regulatory Commission for Energy of RS and (b) improvement in the quality of supply with reconstruction of networks in the most populated areas.

Power utility ERS has 5 power distribution companies – Elektrokrajina, Elektro Doboj, Elektro Bijeljina, Elektrodistribucija Pale, and Elektrohercegovina. Apart from Elektrokrajina, Elektro Bijeljina also secured a loan for modernization from the EBRD in September last year.

Elektrokrajina has so far announced several tendering procedures for grid modernization, while in June this year, Elektro Bijeljina announced tendering for the procurement of smart meters.