Skopje, 29 May 2023 (MIA) – Analyses are still ongoing over the reintroduction of a cheaper electricity rate during daytime hours, and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will inform the public in the next 10–15 days on when it will enter into force, said the President of the ERC, Marko Bislimoski, in answer to a journalist’s question Monday.

Bislimoski added that in recent days, between 10am and 4pm, on the HUPX Power Exchange, the electricity prices are either negative, up to minus EUR 20 per MWh, or, the prices are very close to zero.

“It is clear that the cheaper rate will be implemented, i.e., reinstated, as we promised when we scrapped it during the energy crisis and high prices. By implementing the cheap rate, we are only following the electricity market not only in Macedonia, but also in the region. There is no politics of any kind. Our only goal is, during that period, during those two hours, to send a message to buy cheap electricity from photovoltaics and save water and coal. Because we will need to be prepared for the next heating season and provide electricity mainly from domestic production, as we did in the past year,” said Bislimoski.

The ERC President stressed that even during the winter period, the price of electricity on the exchanges will be lower in the daytime due to the increased production of electricity from photovoltaics in Europe and in the country. By the end of the year, Bislimoski said he expects North Macedonia to have photovoltaics with installed capacity of 250-300 MWh. 

Photo: MIA