Skopje, 30 June 2023 (MIA) – The President of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Marko Bislimoski, told Kanal 5 on Friday that due to technical issues, the low daytime electricity rate will be reinstated on December 1, saying this was the earliest possible date.

“There were technical issues that had to be overcome. The operator wanted the low rate to be reinstated on July 1, 2024, but we managed to agree on December 1. This is the earliest possible date. The low rate will also mean a 5 percent linear reduction of the price of electricity,” said Bislimoski.

According to Bislimoski, if the decision was politically motivated, the rate would have been reinstated on July 1.

“With the reinstatement of the low rate, the country will have the lowest price of electricity in Europe. Only Serbia has cheaper electricity than us right now,” said Bislimoski.

The head of the ERC said it is too early to say if there will be additional reductions in the price of electricity, and he doesn’t believe a dramatic increase could be expected. He said that based on predictions, the price of electricity in 2024 will be EUR 160 per MWh.

In the interview, Bislimoski also reiterated that the transition from coal to natural gas has to begin. “New production capacities will also have to be built,” said Bislimoski.