Skopje, 27 July 2022 (MIA) - Our capacities are getting ready to ensure safe electricity production from thermal power plants during the heating season, said Vasko Kovachevski, Director General of the Power Plants of Macedonia company (ESM). The hydro potential, he added, stands at 55 percent of its capacity, i.e. 70%-80% of the average in the past 10 years and it is only used to maintain a safe and stable system. Also, the Negotino thermal power plant has been put into operation. Kovachevski said he believes that the needs of the company EVN Home, the universal provider of electricity, will be fully met as well as the needs for losses in the electro-distribution system and MEPSO's needs. "All necessary procurements have been made in time and affordably," he stated adding that close to EUR 25 million has been paid for the mazut delivered so far and nearly EUR 30 million for coal. Kovachevski told reporters that ESM for the heating season will provide about 1.5 million tons of coal from imports and 30,000 tons of mazut are being delivered from the port in Thessaloniki for the needs of the Negotino thermal power plant. Also, there is a contract for the procurement of a total of 120,000 tons of mazut and a call for the procurement of another 200,000 tons of mazut is planned to be issued in August to cover the period from December until April. Furthermore, coal is being delivered now after being procured in March, April and May. Additional quantities will be provided from November until April. Average price of coal ranges from 55 to 62 euros per ton. Coal currently on markets costs from 90 to 120 euros per ton. "We have enough quantities of coal and I can freely say that the country is currently providing coal at the lowest price in the region," Kovachevski stated. ESM, according to him, 100 percent is meeting the needs for electricity on the regulated market and there was no need to import electricity. "We will import electricity if there is shortage during the winter, however it will be in very small quantities. According to the production plan, by April we will fully meet the needs for energy for EVN Home, Elektrodistribucija and MEPSO," Kovachevski stated after today's working meeting at the Economic Chamber with the Macedonian Energy Association. Also, the company is preparing to manage the heating supply in the City of Skopje. "Under a government decision, ESM will set up three new companies for production, distribution and supply of heating energy. In 15 days' time, they will be prepared to apply at a public call and obtain licenses for the upcoming heating season in the capital Skopje," Kovachevski said.