Skopje, 16 December 2022 (MIA) – Citizens will not see a price shock on January 1, 2023, in relation to electricity, and I believe those citizens who spend the least, who have saved the most, i.e. those in the first two tariff blocks, will not see an increase, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said Friday.  

He pointed out that several input price parameters are included in setting the electricity price, and on that basis, as well as on the basis of the input quantitative parameters from MEPSO, EVN and ESM, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is the one that should determine the final price.  

“Seeing the movement of the price that you mentioned, as well as the movement of other prices, i.e. factors that determine the price amount, losses, etc. I also share the opinion of the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs and the Minister of Economy, with whom we work daily to resolve energy issues, that the citizens will not see a price shock on January 1, 2023. I even believe that those citizens who spend the least, who have saved the most, i.e. those in the first two tariff blocks, will not see an increase,” Kovachevski said in response to a reporter’s question about the electricity price.   

“Those who spend a lot and who can financially afford it without any problems, will probably see an increase. And what I think is also significant in terms of the price, with these input parameters it is possible that the price of electricity be wound down for the regulated market with the small consumers, which include about 70,000 companies that employ 98 percent of state employees. So, let’s wait for ERC to give the final price, but I agree with the assessment given by the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs that you referred to,” Kovachevski added.   

When setting the final price of electricity for citizens and small consumers, he pointed out that ESM, according to the law, has an obligation to supply 60 percent of the regulated market, and by a decision of the Government, it is responsible to supply 100 percent, and it is doing so.    

“I must express my gratitude and praise the employees of the ESM electricity production facilities, because currently all production facilities, the two blocs in REK Bitola, Oslomej, Negotino, Energetika are working at full capacity and producing electricity,” said Kovachevski.