Elektroprivreda BiH cannot meet the demands of EP HZHB

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The address by Elektroprivreda HZHB to the FBiH Government due to the lack of electricity and the uncertainty of customer supply, and the proposal to ban the export of this energy source to both federal power companies with the aim, as they state, of ensuring full supply in the FBiH, shows the full destructiveness of the decision made by the FBiH Parliament at the end of last year to limit the increase in electricity prices to 20 percent for customers within the market supply, state Elektroprivreda BiH.

"Unfortunately, the warnings from Elektroprivreda BiH presented before the FBiH Parliament's decision that the real consequences of such a decision would be the collapse of the power system in the Federation of BiH and the bringing of both power companies into an extremely difficult situation, which is confirmed by the concrete problems now faced by Elektroprivreda HZHB, were not accepted. Aware of the risks brought by the decision to limit electricity prices for market customers, Elektroprivreda BiH has taken all necessary measures in a timely manner to avoid crisis situations that could threaten stable production and customer supply," it is stated.

Thanks to the activities undertaken, Elektroprivreda BiH will ensure sufficient quantities of electricity for all its customers in the upcoming, especially winter period, during which, due to the current situation on the global energy market, a significant increase in consumption can be expected.

"After analyzing the capabilities of Elektroprivreda BiH for energy supply with a capacity in the band of 30 MWh/h for the period August 1-September 30, 2022, it was determined that the request of Elektroprivreda HZHB unfortunately cannot be met due to the following reasons: - Elektroprivreda BiH is currently in a period of limited reserves in production capacities with one thermal block of 100 MW in reserve. In such circumstances, in case of failure of one of the operating blocks, until the reserve block is put into operation and production is replaced, Elektroprivreda BiH is forced to procure the missing electricity on the market at extremely high prices, which for emergency energy during daytime hours currently amount to 600 Euros per MWh. - Elektroprivreda BiH will conduct the production process in an extremely complex regime during August-September due to the completion of overhauls of certain blocks and the need for their operational stabilization, as well as the start of overhauls of other thermal power plants. - Due to high temperatures, Elektroprivreda BiH is implementing a production program with thermal blocks operating below maximum capacity, in order to increase operational reserves (rotating power). - During August-September, restrictions according to water permits for hydroelectric power plants are very strict. An aggravating circumstance is the fact that due to the poor hydrological situation, the Jablaničko accumulation is about one meter lower than planned," they point out.

In addition to all of the above, the strategic goal of Elektroprivreda BiH is the consolidation of coal by all assortments to ensure sufficient quantities, which will enable the uninterrupted operation of thermal power plants and regular and stable customer supply in the upcoming winter season.