The Energy Regulatory Commission of the Republic of Srpska (RERS) has stopped the procedure for a proposed 20 percent electricity price increase after the state-owned power utility ERS abruptly withdrew its request. The withdrawal followed revelations that ERS director Luka Petrović had not informed the Government about the planned tariff hike and had misled the regulator by claiming he had consulted officials beforehand.
The reversal came amid strong public backlash and rising political pressure. Prime Minister Savo Minić stated that Petrović’s dismissal was a possible outcome of the affair, prompting ERS management to retract the proposal.
Following public criticism, ERS attempted an unusual approach. Despite initially submitting the request for higher prices, the company then argued that the application should be dismissed as incomplete. In a letter to the regulator, ERS claimed the submission contained factual and procedural errors, calling it invalid and unsuitable for regulatory review.
Although this decision cancels the proposed electricity price increase, it does not ensure tariff stability for consumers in the coming year. RERS must still review a separate request submitted by distribution system operators—entities operating under the ERS umbrella—seeking a 46 percent increase in network fees. That proceeding remains active and could still lead to higher electricity bills for households and businesses.
