Skopje, 9 March 2023 (MIA) - Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski at Thursday's event presenting EU support woth EUR 80 million, reiterated that the government measures on tackling the crisis give result. "Electricity and heating are available,and there are no restrictions, and that," he stressed, "is the best counter-argument to all critics who talked about darkest scenarios for the country that did not come to pass". 

According to him, if ESM continues to realize increased production, it will be an extra argument to enable the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to make decisions in the interest of the citizens.

"We are doing everything in our power - and that is to realize the plan for increased production, so that the price is stable and citizens use a cheap tariff. The analyses of the ERC will show whether there will be extended usage intervals during the next period. Our priority is the energy transition and energy independence, and our country is a regional leader in the energy transition, with a huge potential to become a green energy hub," said the PM. 

He noted that interest in investments in renewable energy sources is growing, pointing out that from January 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023 alone, there are new photovoltaic power plants in the country with a total installed capacity of 181.2 MW from renewable sources that can meet the needs of 72,500 households with average electricity consumption. With these facilities, he added, the needs of households from eight cities can be met from renewable energy sources: Ohrid, Tetovo, Kratovo, Krushevo, Kriva Palanka, Sveti Nikole, Resen and Dojran.

"We wouldn't have achieved all this if it weren't for our partners. That's why I once again express my gratitude for the support that the EU gave us, in this domain, when we needed it the most, with EUR 80 million of budget support to deal with the energy crisis, but here I also have to mention the EU macro-financial aid of EUR 100 million. Of course, the lending done by EBRD and EIB in the area of ​​large infrastructure projects as well, both in energy and in other areas," said Kovachevski.