Skopje, 9 November 2021 (MIA) – The Government decided Tuesday to declare a 30-day state of energy crisis at the request of the Commission monitoring the electricity supply within the Ministry of Economy. Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi told Tuesday’s press conference that the decision was taken based on the Commission’s assessment over the crisis risk due to lack of electricity and developments on the electricity market, following a report drafted by the Electricity Transmission System Operator of North Macedonia (MEPSO) on the stability of the country’s energy system in the last quarter of 2021. “The only purpose of declaring the state of energy crisis is to improve the liquidity of energy companies, so they can continually supply households and stabilize the situation at the electricity market. There will be no restrictions for citizens and companies,” said Bekteshi and added that about Mden 4 billion (EUR 64,8 million) Budget funds would be transferred to the energy companies. He said the Government is focused on successfully managing the effects of the global economic crisis. “The realization of this objective involves the managements of all companies in the energy sector and government institutions. We are working on the activation of all energy capacities in order to increase national electricity output and prevent large price hikes for households and small consumers,” noted Bekteshi. He said the bids for mining-energy company (REK) Bitola coal procurement are being evaluated, while Oslomej thermal plant is to be put into operation on December 1. In addition, Bloc 1 of REK Bitola is already on the grid after a day-long repair, whereas Bloc 2 will be operational in the coming days.