Skopje, 31 January 2024 (MIA) — To help citizens make their homes more energy efficient and save electricity, the state is offering financial support through awarding vouchers for a total of 7,000 high-efficiency heat pumps, Minister of Economy Kreshnik Bekteshi told a press conference Wednesday.

In line with the national 2024 Program for Encouragement of Energy Efficiency in Households and the 2024 Program for the Protection of Vulnerable Energy Consumers, the government has earmarked Mden 255 million (EUR 4.1 million) for this purpose, Minister Bekteshi said.

The vouchers will be given on a first-come-first-served basis, from Feb. 1 through 20, with the possibility of a 15-day extension if not enough people apply.

The vouchers will amount to 23,000 to 27,000 denars per household, depending on the applicants' total income and place of residence.

According to the economy minister, the purchased heat pumps need to have a coefficient of performance of minimum 3.0, which means the heat pump produces about 3 times as much heat as the electricity it uses; to work efficiently in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius; and to be rated at least A+ for energy efficiency.

The list of vendors who will accept the vouchers will be published on the Ministry of Economy's website, Bekteshi added. mr/