Skopje, 16 August 2022 (MIA) - The government has adopted measures aimed at saving energy and electricity up to 15 percent. Recommendations are in place for households and companies whereas state institutions will be given concrete tasks they will have to meet, otherwise they could face fines. The measures will be enforced as of September 1, 2022, until March 31, 2023, Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi announced on Tuesday. "One of the harshest winters energy-wise, not only for us but also for all the countries in the region and in Europe, is ahead. To tackle more easily what is ahead and to secure uninterrupted electricity supply, rational spending and lower bills, we've prepared an energy-saving plan and recommendations," he told a news conference. The measures are divided into several categories, the Minister added, depending on whether households, companies or buildings, state institutions or enterprises are involved. "The goal is to reduce consumption by 15 percent compared to the same month last year. If this goal isn't met, heads of the institutions will face fines," Bekteshi stated. Decorative lightning of the facades of public buildings and cultural monuments should be turned off as well as street lighting when there is enough day light. Furthermore, air conditioning should not be set below 27C and heating should not be set above 20C. Computers should be turned off after working hours; heating and air conditioning filters should be changed regularly; only necessary documents should be printed; windows should be replaced with energy efficient ones, etc - these are some of the recommendations the state institutions are advised to follow.