This is essentially the solution and assistance for resolving the energy problems in the Republic of Macedonia, Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Koco Angjusev said Monday prior to signing of the memorandum of cooperation between the USAID’s Development of Regional Energy Markets (DREM) project, the Government and Energy Regulatory Commission.
The cooperation between the USAID and the Government for technical assistance that should be provided by USAID for aligning the national legislation with the 3rd EU Energy Package and Energy Community (EC) requirements is being officially launched by signing of the two memorandums for implementation of the project “Support to the energy sector reform in Macedonia.”
Angjusev said that the Macedonia was obliged in 2014 to fully liberalize energy market, but it was not achieved. By adopting Energy Law in May 2018 this process was launched.
“It was not possible without USAID assistance that allocated funds to help us in creating the law and now to create 80 bylaws, whose work is under way,” Angjusev said.
US Ambassador Jess Baily underlined that transparent and competitive energy markets are vital to households, industry and economy and the diverse energy mix provides energy security.
The cooperation with the USAID will enable Macedonia to provide diversified and competitive energy portfolio. This will help the Government to align national energy legislation with energy regulations and EU directives, Baily said, adding that the recently adopted Energy Law helps in aligning.
He said that the law provides a legal framework for a transparent, competitive and diversified energy market, full liberalization of the energy market in Macedonia, as well as integration with regional energy markets and better services for households and industry.
“The households and small businesses will have the opportunity next year to choose a supplier of electricity for the first time. The diversification of supply will strengthen the energy security of Macedonia and stimulate investments in renewable energy sources, which will increase the production of pure electricity from domestic production and will increase the reliability of electricity supply for households and industry,” Baily said.
Economy Minister Kresnik Bektesi said that the signing of the two memorandums with USAID confirms the excellent cooperation in the drafting of the Law on Energy and the bylaws.
“We are working to ensure that the law is not only put on paper, but to be implemented. We expect we will complete all obligations by year-end and the citizens and companies will have the opportunity to feel the benefits of the new Law as of next year,” Bektesi said.
President of the Energy Regulatory Commission Marko Bislimovski said that implementation of Energy Law involves adoption of bylaws related to the work of the companies on the regulated and free market of electricity and natural gas.
Development of Regional Energy Markets (DREM) Project is a three-year activity that started in December 2017. The overall goal of the project is to enhance the enabling environment in the energy sector and establish the legal framework for an open, transparent and vibrant energy market while improving the energy services to households and industry, thus strengthening the energy security of the country.
