Millennium Foundation Kosovo (MFK) and Termokos, the heating local supplier of district heating in Prishtina, signing a memorandum of understanding on the installation of thermal heat meters worth USD 10 million. The organization, backed by the Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC), a federal agency of the United States, funds the Prishtina HeatSave project.
The aim is to create a modern billing system for Termokos so that customers’ bills are based on consumption instead of their heating surface. The project will cover more than 12,000 users and over 60,000 radiators. Research and surveys started this year.
Switching to nonelectric, cleaner sources
The funding for district heating meters was secured under the Reliable Energy Landscape Project (RELP) of the Threshold Program, which encourages greater household energy efficiency and facilitates the switch to nonelectric and cleaner sources of heating. It includes piloting various types of incentives and models like insulation and waterproofing.
Thermal meters are introduced with the aim to save 30% of energy
Experience from other cities should help Termokos and households save up to 30% of heat and enable the expansion of the district heating network in Prishtina, according to the announcement.
The utility’s Chief Executive Officer Arsim Fetahu said citizens are getting fair billing.
Air quality project
Of note, MFK and the Ministry of Economy and Environment of Kosovo* signed a memorandum last month for the Dig Data: Air Quality Challenge project.
The four finalists: Internews Kosova, Rea, Bonevet and Llogarite, are starting to implement innovative projects focused on causes, effects, risks and prevention of air pollution. MCC supports the fight against global poverty by providing grants including those that help economic growth and boost the capacity of institutions.
( * This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.)
(balkangreenenergynews.com, October 2, 2020)