Skopje, 17 February 2023 (MIA) - If the price of imported electricity proves to be lower than the one of electricity produced in thermal power plant (TEC) Negotino, then the plant will shut down, said Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi on Friday.

"If Power Plants of North Macedonia (ESM) data shows that production price of TEC Negotino is higher than the imported price of electricity, the Government will direct the plant's closure and the import of cheaper electricity," Minister Bekteshi told reporters.

ESM has not provided such data at this time, he added, but the company will be contacted over the matter during the day.

"Of course, we will choose the cheapest option. We aim to reduce energy companies' costs and expenses for citizens and the economy, thus making them more competitive," said Bekteshi.

According to him, it is important that after 15 years, 80 percent of produced electricity in January came from domestic capacities.

"This shows that all institutions have done their job and the energy crisis management is a success," said Bekteshi.