Skopje, 1 November 2022 (MIA) - Quick, stable and accurate data transfer, uninterrupted electricity supply and minimizing the risk of any transfer termination in case of outages or unfavorable weather conditions will be enabled through the newest telecommunications equipment put into operations Tuesday at the Electricity Transmission System Operator of North Macedonia (MEPSO). By inaugurating the modern equipment, the company is launching the process of digitizing the transmission network. The project is estimated at nearly five million euros. Of those, EUR 2.9 million were secured through the EBRD and the rest by MEPSO. "The equipment is the foundation to receive timely data and it allows MEPSO to start digitizing the transmission network. This modern technology allows optical fibers integrated into transmission lines to be used economically and efficiently all the while the transported information is being coded and fully protected. Thus, it provides quick and accurate data transfer, uninterrupted electricity supply and minimizes the risk of data transfer termination in the event of outages and bad weather conditions," MEPSO CEO Orhan Murtezani said at a ceremony for the launch of the new equipment. The equipment used so far was installed back in 2004. According to Murtezani, at the moment, equipment for data connection is used that has no support from the manufacturer. Welcoming the installation of the new equipment, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski told the event that a stable data transfer is of great importance amid the current energy crisis. "Today, we have the chance to see the state-of-the-art telecommunications equipment and remote monitoring of MEPSO's transmission stations. It means we will have secured electricity transmission, which is essential in the midst of a crisis. The objective is to secure quick and accurate data transfer, uninterrupted electricity supply and minimize the risk of termination," he said. In addition to Kovachevski and Murtezani, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Head of North Macedonia, Andi Aranitasi also addressed the event, attended by Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi, and ESM and MEPSO officials.