Kosovo* power utility KEK replaces acting CEO

The Board of Directors of Kosovo Energy Corp. (KEK) appointed Bekir Gërguri as acting chief executive officer and Ramadan Budakova as his deputy, also in an acting capacity.

The change in leadership in Prishtina-based KEK has prompted controversy. Bekir Gërguri has been named acting CEO instead of Përparim Kabashi, who has returned to his previous position as secretary. Ramadan Budakova became acting deputy CEO of the government-controlled electricity producer.

The company runs the only two coal-fired power plants in Kosovo*, which account for more than 90% of domestic output. But KEK also has a major renewables project underway, backed by funding from the European Union.

Connections between the newly appointed CEO and Kosovo’s ruling party Lëvizja Vetëvendosje (LVV) surfaced immediately after the announcement. Gërguri’s previous affiliation with it, including his candidacy for the Municipal Assembly of Fushë Kosova (called Kosovo Polje in Serbian), has raised questions about potential political influence.

KEK generated 5.53 TWh of electricity last year

Additionally, there are concerns about reports that Budakova was accused of planting wheat over a decade ago on KEK land near coal mines without authorization, resulting in his demotion.

There were issues with earlier leadership as well. Police arrested former CEO Nagip Krasniqi last year over alleged tender manipulation. He was released from detention last September, but the legal proceedings against him are ongoing.

As Kosovo’s primary energy provider, KEK plays a vital role in the country’s infrastructure and economy. It remains to be seen how the new management will navigate the challenges ahead and address concerns about transparency, accountability, and political influence.

KEK generated 5.53 TWh of electricity last year. The Kosovo A thermal power plant contributed 2.29 TWh, while Kosovo B accounted for the remainder.

Separately, through the cogeneration project with Prishtina’s Termokos, over 327 GWh of thermal energy was generated for heating purposes. This significant output has been achieved through the combustion of coal, with a total of 6.92 million tons extracted during the year 2023.