Skopje, 25 August 2022 (MIA) - The Government must help companies immediately by abolishing taxes for power and freezing power prices, following the example of neighboring countries, to speed up photovoltaic installation and to repurpose most, if not all, of the funds from capital expenses to invest them in renewable energy sources in order to use the full state capacity for energy production, the Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia urges. According to its research, energy expenses were 1.3-2.3% of overall monthly expenses for 65% of member companies with an energy efficient infrastructure, whereas this year, those expenses have increased 2-6x. July bills are already 7-10% of monthly operative costs. On the other hand, the condition in production companies are alarming. The monthly expenses for power, without exceptions, are 25% from overall expenses for all production companies, and their profit margin is under 5%. "The aforementioned proposals were submitted to the institutions and were thoroughly explained in order to get implemented as soon as possible. The Government must take measures immediately concerning the energy crisis, because this issue brings into question the very existence of businesses on the market," the Chamber says. dk/ba/