ESB International was appointed as a consultant to take over management control for KEK in Kosovo. The goal was to transition KEK into a financially sustainable, self-sufficient and market-driven company providing reliable energy services.   

KEK was a vertically integrated utility with mining, generation, transmission, distribution and supply activities. The two open-cast lignite mines supply coal to two power stations with a total installed nominal capacity of 1,480 MW. 

The Challenge

When ESB International took over management control, KEK owed over €200M in electricity debt, and more than 50% of all connected consumers were illegal. 

New regulations focused on combatting electricity theft. Energy courts and a legal team to improve the prosecution process. A billing and customer management system for KEK. 

• Increased annual cash collections by +32%, from €74M  to €97M. 
• Increased collection against billed percentage from 58% to 79%.  
• Reduced total losses from 59% to 48% representing a 18.6% improvement over two years. 
• Reduced debtor days by more than 60%.