North Macedonia’s Parliament approved a comprehensive Energy Law in May 2025 requiring the nationwide installation of smart electricity meters. The new law will eliminate estimated consumption billing, ensuring that household and business electricity bills reflect actual usage.
The legislation sets ambitious targets: by 2031, 80% of citizens are to have smart meters installed, with full nationwide coverage expected by 2035. The Energy Ministry has indicated that utilities do not have to wait for these deadlines; EVN, the main electricity distributor, has already begun phased procurement. Currently, EVN reports that 200,000 smart meters are operational, with plans to install an additional 100,000 units over the next three years as part of its ongoing smart meter project. This project is in the final stages of technology selection and preparation of technical and economic feasibility studies.
In compliance with European directives incorporated into national law, distribution network operators are required to equip all consumers with smart meters. These devices will enable consumers to better manage their electricity consumption and allow eligible users to participate directly in the open electricity market. Suppliers will be able to offer electricity at variable rates for specific hours on the following day, giving households real-time control over their energy costs.
Following approval of the feasibility study by the regulatory commission, the government will authorize full deployment of the system. Procurement of smart meters, along with supporting hardware and management software, is planned to commence immediately after. The complete rollout is expected to be finished within two years of the government’s final decision.
