The power utility company Elektroprivreda (EPCG) has achieved significant exports in the first two months of this year, resulting in a profit of over 20 million euros, while importing around ten million euros.
The hydrological situation is not bad, despite the absence of snow. However, the effects will be felt in May when the overhaul of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant (TPP)begins, causing it to be offline for two months, as reported by the RTCG portal.
Unusually good weather in January and February did not impact the hydrological situation. On the contrary, EPCG is satisfied with the amount of rain that fell during the first two months.
“In January, we achieved over 60 percent of expected precipitation, but February was more generous, so we had about 170 percent of expected precipitation, and thus hydroelectric power plants made use of every drop possible,” said EPCG representative Bojan Đordan.
More rain means more electricity. The current absence of snow is not immediately felt, but it will surely have consequences.
“But it will reflect in May, depending on the hydrology in those months. If it is average, there won’t be significant drawbacks, but if hydrology fails, especially in terms of filling the Piva Lake, then we will have a shortage of hydrological potential, leading to lower production from hydroelectric power plants,” stated Đordan.
The shutdown of the TPP Pljevlja for two months will significantly increase the electricity deficit.
“The characteristic of the second quarter of the year is the expectation of around 350 litres per square meter of precipitation. If it is realized, we expect average production. If not, considering the TPP’s regular annual overhaul in April and May, there will be an increased deficit, and quantities will be compensated through imports,” said Đordan.
Montenegro imported electricity during the previous year while simultaneously exporting. A team of people monitors the market daily, considering market prices to achieve the best financial outcome for the company, with both import and export occurring, although exports dominated, according to Đordan.
EPCG purchases every produced megawatt of electricity from small hydroelectric and wind power plants. This year, they also expect the first effects of solar panels, which, as Đordan mentioned, will enrich the distribution network by around 30 megawatts.
