Skopje, 22 November 2022 (MIA) – The trend of reduced electricity consumption by state institutions continues in October. Data show that the administrative buildings of the President of the country, the Parliament, Government, ministries, ESM and MEPSO managed to reduce electricity consumption by an average of 29 percent, which is more compared to the total savings of 20 percent in September 2022, said Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi.   “In October, all institutions have at least 15 percent reduced electricity consumption, which is in line with the recommendations passed by the Government. The Ministry of Health has recorded the lowest savings of 18 percent, and the Ministry of Education has the highest savings of up to 58 percent. The electricity saved by the Government amounts to 32 percent, the Parliament's saving in October is 22 percent, the President's office 24 percent, the ESM administrative building has 25 percent, and MEPSO 22 percent,” Bekteshi told a press conference on Wednesday.   If data from all state institutions, agencies and administrations is taken into account, Bekteshi pointed out, the total electricity saved amounts to 24 percent.   “According to the electricity consumption data of only the administrative buildings of the ministries, there’s reduced electricity consumption of 33 percent. The Education Ministry has the lowest savings of 24 percent, and the Environment Ministry has the highest savings of 94 percent. The electricity saved by the Ministry of Information Society amounts to 50 percent, 58 percent by the Ministry of Local Self-Government, 44 percent at the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Ministry of Finance, 40 percent at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, and 30 percent at the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Interior,” said Bekteshi.   The analysis for October, compared to the same month last year, includes a total of 19 state-owned public enterprises, where total electricity savings amount to 17 percent.   “According to data shown in the Table, 15 entities managed to save at least 15 percent in October 2022 compared to the same month in 2021,” Bekteshi said.   Data on electricity saving in the municipalities that were recommended to save, he added, show that out of 81 municipalities, 65 municipalities managed to save at least 15 percent of electricity, of which 12 municipalities achieved savings greater than 50 percent.   “A total of 16 municipalities have not achieved the required 15 percent electricity savings, of which only three have recorded higher consumption in October 2022, compared to October 2021, and the remaining 13 municipalities have reduced consumption, but have not achieved the required savings of 15 percent,” Bekteshi pointed out.   The electricity saving data, he said, show that if we are all rational and don’t waste electricity, significant savings can be made. He urged all companies and citizens to use electricity rationally.  “Rational electricity consumption will make it possible to reduce electricity bills for both the citizens and the companies, which will become more competitive. The Government will continue to work and take measures, so that this energy crisis, which has affected the whole of Europe, has the smallest negative effects for the citizens, and with joint efforts and saving, it will have the smallest negative effects for the entire country,” Bekteshi said.   Asked who and whether anyone will be held responsible in case of failure to realize required electricity savings, Minister Bekteshi said he was glad that almost 100 percent of the institutions managed to save electricity of over 15 percent compared to October last year. "That's the responsibility of the institutions under central government. In terms of the municipalities, companies and citizens, the measures were in the form of recommendations, which means they won't be held responsible. If the trend of electricity saving continues, the Government will be satisfied with the actions taken by institutions. In case electricity saving doesn't continue, as a member of the Government I am in favor of rigorous measures, but it is a collective body, and we have to make a joint decision at a session of the Government over what needs to be done if anyone fails to meet the requirements from the Government," said Bekteshi. As regards whether any incentive measures are being mulled in terms of citizens who consume less electricity, the Minister said the concept of block tariffs was introduced in that direction. "I believe we were the first in the region to do that with the introduction of four block tariffs. Consumption by households has decreased significantly. I have not heard any complaints from the citizens regarding high bills because we have introduced a fair concept of save more - pay less, and those who don't save save will pay more and will also cover for those who save to have a lower price of electricity," Bekteshi noted.