The President of the Board of Directors of Elektroprivreda (EPCG), Milutin Đukanović, announced that for now there will be no increase in electricity prices and restrictions, but that he cannot say until when this will be the case, because it depends on several factors.
In the Link Radio program of Montenegro, he appealed to citizens and the public sector to respect the savings measures presented to them through the company's campaign, saying that EPCG is doing everything to be in the interest of citizens, and not to the detriment of companies.
"We are facing a difficult winter and there will certainly be some damage, everyone is struggling to provide at least one more kilowatt hour. We have launched a strong savings campaign and we expect that both households and the public sector will respect it. We have also provided discounts for those who spend less and we think that it is stimulating for citizens to behave responsibly in a very serious situation," said Đukanović.
As he added, from May to September, they spent 120 million from their own funds, reports the RTCG portal.
On the stock market, as he reminds, the prices are extremely high. 15 days ago, the price of a megawatt hour for October was over 950 euros, for the next year it is over 900, and sometimes even over a thousand euros.
"The drought is severe, in the last few decades we have not had such a bad hydrological situation. It is not easy and we are trying not to reach for price increases and restrictions," said Đukanović.
He emphasized that we are now paying the consequences of a frivolous policy in the field of energy.
"We have not built a single energy facility for 40 years. We could not have predicted this kind of global situation, but if there had been a more responsible policy, we would have had a better chance of going through these challenges more easily. There is also a danger that the money, even if it is there, will not help us, because it's going to be a hard winter," Đukanović warned.
As he explained, the biggest deficits are in the summer months, but in the fourth quarter, with the improvement of the hydrological situation, he expects that to be settled and to end the year positively.
"If the fourth quarter is identical to last year's, we would end this year with a positive result. That, however, depends on a lot of factors - hydrology and the operating capabilities of our facilities, because no one can guarantee that there won't be some changes. And there are, of course, prices on the stock exchanges that we cannot influence," explained Đukanović.
According to him, the bottom line is that new buildings must be built and awareness about saving electricity must be increased.
Đukanović also mentioned that Thermal Power Plant (TE) Pljevlja, as the backbone of our system, provided 80 percent of Montenegro's consumption in July and August.
"During the summer, the overhaul of the hydro potential is also carried out, so we are left with one producer, and this is a consequence of the devastation of the energy sector in the past decades", said Đukanović.
Regarding the sale of shares, Đukanović emphasized that EPCG previously paid 105 million from its account for its own shares, 52 million were lost in 2019, and the legal deadline for the remaining 53 million expires on September 26.
"We initiated the procedure of the so-called 'alienation' of our own shares, and the government said that they do not have that money, but if the executive power would potentially invest those 20 million, EPCG would buy Željezara, start plants and potentially create new jobs. How did we enter that project, a huge number of investors have contacted us, but with the condition that they build a large solar power plant with us. We are ready to use that potential. We are seeking the approval of the Government to go public, and the Ministry of Capital Investments should start the approval process on Friday ", stated Đukanović.
At the same time, he added, they are also talking with Tosčelik, so that it can be resolved as soon as possible.
"These funds will be used to purchase the property of the Steel Plant, and then we will make an effort to keep the existing jobs and create new ones. I think it's a good plan," Đukanović concluded.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
