Rama: Massive operation against electricity theft

In a meeting called “Protection of energy and fight against urban and environmental crime, challenges of public responsibilities”, the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, expressed the harsh stance of the government against those who steal energy.

“This operation will turn the energy from an asset that can be stolen by anyone, to a source of well being and economic growth. It will be a source of profit for all Albanians, with the premise that anyone who consumes will have to pay for it”, Rama underlined.

The Prime Minister underlined that the justification that energy is being stolen because of poverty.

“Poverty is not the reason why the energy is being stolen. We cannot lose 150 million EUR each year because of the stolen energy. It is not true that Albania cannot pay for the energy that is consumed. Albania can overcome this phase of economic and social development”, Rama declared.

The Prime Minister underlined that the time when energy could be stolen is being closed, and another era is being opened now, an era that will bring normality in the sector. According to him, those who steal energy will be sentenced to three years in prison, and those employees who help them will be sentenced to five years. He asked courts to punish those who are responsible accordingly.

The Minister of Energy and Industry, Damian Gjiknuri, said that the energy system in Albania is in a critical situation, due to the energy theft.

“We are facing a critical situation. I want to thank the Prime Minister for the importance he gave to the message for fighting abuses. This necessary therapy is the first phase, but there are even deeper wounds”, Gjiknuri declared.

The Prime Minister said that Albania loses 150 million EUR each year from the theft of energy. He added that this damage is withholding the future of our country and is stopping the realization of vital projects.

Police has made the first arrests of those who have stolen energy in Vlore and Tirana.

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