Skopje, 17 September 2025 (MIA) -- The newly adopted EU acquis-aligned Law on Energy Efficiency will contribute to lowering citizens' power bills, achieving a cleaner environment and creating green jobs, the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources said Wednesday in a press release.

"This law is an important step forward toward decreasing energy consumption, integrating renewable sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"Its implementation will create a stable system that will bring the country closer to European climate goals and the green transition concept," the release said.

According to the energy authorities, the law introduces EU's Energy Efficiency First principle.

It will lead to a longterm strategy for retrofitting existing residential, public and commercial buildings to improve energy effeciency, including a mandatory retrofit program for at least 3% of public buildings each year.

Solar installations will be required for schools, child care centers and public institutions during their construction or renovation.

Under the law, the state will provide financial support for geothermal and solar energy technologies.

The law also raises national standards on procurement procedures, digital transparency and more professional energy controls, the release said.

In addition, the Agency of Real Estate Cadastre is required to introduce energy efficiency certificates for buildings.

"Adopting this law has established a legal, economic and social framework that reduces costs for citizens and businesses, accelerates the integration of renewable sources and makes it possible to create a sustainable energy system," the release said, adding that the Ministry of Energy was fully committed to carrying out energy sector reforms and aligning the national legislation with the EU acquis. mr/