Mickoski: We Aim to Lower Electricity Rates, Not Raise Them

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the government is not considering an increase in electricity prices. According to him, work is underway on a formula that would lower rates or, at the very least, expand the use of the off-peak tariff, at a time when most European countries are planning to raise energy prices.

Following the signing of agreements to finance the construction of the Kriva Palanka-Deve Bair railway section, part of Corridor 8, Mickoski answered reporters’ questions and said that Macedonia is successfully addressing the challenges affecting electricity prices. He cited the war in the Persian Gulf and the current situation regarding the water level of the Danube River.

“At the end of the irrigation season, our reservoirs are at around 70 percent, while we have accumulated nearly 500 gigawatt-hours of electricity. This is enough for us to feel safe and at ease, without facing difficulties in supplying electricity to citizens and industry,” the prime minister said.

Mickoski added that the authorities would neither hold panicked press conferences nor call on citizens to save energy, because, as he said, the necessary measures had been taken long ago.

“I am truly happy and satisfied that we completed the irrigation season according to plan. Nevertheless, today, August 6, our reservoirs are more than 70 percent full, and the hydropower plants are ready to generate electricity,” Mickoski stressed.