In a recent evaluation of the situation at the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS), Dragoslav Ljubičić from the EPS union “Nezavisnost” expressed concern that Serbia may soon face a serious energy crisis, especially if temperatures drop in Europe and countries prioritize their own needs for electricity.
Director of “Elektrodistribucija Srbije” (EDS), Biljana Komnenić, reported that around 68,000 consumers were without power across Serbia, a situation Ljubičić attributes to problems within the distribution system. He stressed that while the two percent of households without electricity may seem like a small number, for those affected, it is a major issue, and EDB is obligated to provide service to all contracted consumers.
Ljubičić further highlighted concerns about the leadership at EPS, noting that a key figure in the electrical distribution system, Aleksandar Jokić, has been involved in controversial incidents, including violence against students. He argued that if EPS leadership focused more on maintaining the power system rather than engaging in such activities, electricity supply would be more reliable.
Reflecting on the past, Ljubičić believes that if Miroslav Tomašević had remained the director of EPS, Serbia would now be exporting electricity rather than relying on imports. He explained that the country’s energy production system is facing serious technical issues, which stem from poor maintenance and inadequate personnel management. He also criticized the appointment of Savo Bezmarević, who he claims was responsible for past failures in the coal and electricity production sectors.
Ljubičić pointed to the broader issue of SNS’s personnel policies, criticizing the current management under Dubravka Đedović Handanović for lacking the necessary qualifications and professional experience. Despite these challenges, Ljubičić expressed his support for the students involved in advocating for reforms at EPS, but emphasized that a general strike would only worsen the situation by halting electricity production.
Finally, Ljubičić warned that if temperatures drop in Europe, Serbia may struggle to import electricity, as other countries will prioritize their own energy needs. He concluded that the current leadership at EPS is exacerbating the problem, leaving Serbia vulnerable to an energy shortage.
