Albania is set to expand its liberalized electricity market, with consumers connected to the 6 kV network able to choose their own suppliers starting 1 January 2026. The announcement was made by the national energy regulator ERE, which urged affected users to begin preparing for the transition.
Under the new rules, customers must negotiate supply contracts with companies operating in the open market. For those who, due to justified circumstances, are unable to secure an agreement in time, temporary protection will be provided through a supplier of last resort. This fallback arrangement can cover consumers for up to 60 days, ensuring continuity of supply during the transition. The regulator currently lists 40 licensed electricity companies eligible to operate as suppliers in the free market.
At present, the state-owned FSHU performs the role of supplier of last resort, traditionally serving customers under regulated tariffs. However, the regulator has already started procedures to appoint a private company to take over this function in the future.
Albania’s electricity market reform has been gradually implemented over several years. The first phase began in 2018, when businesses connected to the 35 kV network were required to move to market-based supply, followed in January 2024 by the inclusion of consumers on the 20 kV network.
