The biggest change in the electricity tariff system since gaining independence is in the final phase of preparation, and it is now certain that block tariffs for households will be introduced in Macedonia. The energy regulator is currently preparing the final analysis in cooperation with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering – after which it will be known whether there will be three or four block tariffs. What is certain is that the tariff block will not refer to cheap electricity.
Thus, households that spend more will pay a higher price, announced the president of the Regulatory Commission for Energy and Water Services (ERO), Marko Bislimoski.
When it comes to cheap electricity, consumption will not be limited, but for households with high consumption outside this tariff, the price will be very close to the market price.
Macedonia will be the first country to apply a block of tariffs only for expensive electricity, while the cheap tariff will remain without any restrictions. Bislimoski explains that this corresponds to the Macedonian electricity system, because at night in certain periods of the year, thanks to thermal production, there are surplus electricity on the regulated market.
He explained that 17 families in the country spend 10% of the total household consumption – it is about 330 million kWh, or about 30% of domestic production from hydroelectric power plants owned by ESM.
“We don’t mind spending, they can spend as much as they want, but households with enormous consumption will pay a price close to the market price,” Bislimoski said.
With the option of three or four block tariffs, there will be a larger coverage of citizens who have minimal consumption, which will largely cover vulnerable categories of consumers as well as households that have no other heating option than electricity.
ERO analysis shows that there are about 660 thousand households in the country. Of that, 21.5% has a consumption of up to 100 kWh, which makes them the most numerous category. From 100 to 200 kWh is consumed by 14.4% of households, from 200 to 300 kWh – 14.9%, from 300 to 400 kWh – 12.8%, from 400 to 500 kWh – 9.7%, from 500 to 1,000 kWh – 19.8% and over 1,000 kWh – 7% of customers in this category.
The average consumption of households in the country on a monthly basis is 410 kWh, said Bislimoski and specified that 53% of electricity consumption is expensive, and 47% is cheap.
Source: novamakedonija.com.mk
