The comments of the president of the Civic Movement URA, Dritan Abazović, about the state of reservoirs and the operations of the Electric Power Company (EPCG), are not based on real data and represent solely an attempt to discredit one of the most important sectors of the Montenegrin economy, the company announced.
"We reject Abazović's unfounded claims about the state of the reservoirs and the company's operations," EPCG said in response to Abazović's allegations that the company is reducing water reservoirs in order to sell as much electricity as possible and thus improve its results.
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EPCG said that in different circumstances, there would be no need to address the statements of individuals and organizations who, as they state, clearly lack feeling when it comes to responsibility for publicly expressed words.
"However, as representatives of the most important company in the country, we are obliged to point out a very problematic practice in the part related to the need of some political actors to gain cheap political points, through the backs of EPCG, its management and employees," said EPCG.
EPCG reminded that hydrology does not coincide with the calendar year - sometimes the predicted annual precipitation is realized in nine months, and sometimes in fifteen.
That is why, as they explained, the Energy Balance is not a static document, but a framework that adapts to real weather and market conditions.
"According to the same Balance, significant precipitation was predicted in November and December of last year, which, unfortunately, did not occur. EPCG, in accordance with the situation, responsibly used the reservoirs to ensure system stability and uninterrupted supply to consumers. If we had followed Abazović's logic, today we would have significant amounts of unused water or, in popular terms, wasted resources, while citizens and the economy would be exposed to energy insecurity," the company explained.
EPCG claims that the data clearly shows oscillations in the state of the reservoirs from year to year.
For example, at the end of 2022, EPCG had 110 gigawatt hours (GWh) more than planned, while at the end of 2023, this surplus amounted to 64 GWh.
"On the other hand, last year brought unfavorable hydrological conditions, so the situation in the reservoirs was below plan. However, we are already seeing that precipitation from the first quarter of this year is making up for that shortfall, and we expect that by the end of March the situation will be above plan, which the Piva Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) already is," EPCG added.
As for financial results, claims about their concealment are, as EPCG said, unfounded and malicious.
"As every year, EPCG will publish preliminary financial reports in a timely manner in accordance with legal procedures and we are certain that the result will be positive," EPCG announced.
The power company stated that Abazović knows full well that the former Minister of Energy, Saša Mujović, has no connection with making decisions on the management of reservoirs.
"These decisions are solely within the jurisdiction of EPCG management and the Board of Directors. Therefore, calling out former Minister Mujović has nothing to do with energy, but solely with Abazović's personal frustrations. The fact that he personally cannot stand him has absolutely nothing to do with EPCG, but is a topic for experts from completely different fields," EPCG said.
When it comes to the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant (TPP), EPCG, as its representatives said, is actively implementing its ecological reconstruction in accordance with all obligations undertaken and realistic deadlines.
"Attempts to spread falsehoods about the possible closure of the Pljevlja TPP are frivolous and unreasonably alarm the public. Synchronizing the reconstruction with the obligations of the Coal Mine, including the relocation of Ćehotina, is part of a strategic plan in which responsible and coordinated actions are being taken," EPCG said.
EPCG said that unnecessarily raising panic and spreading inaccurate information does not change the fact that the company makes decisions in the best interests of citizens and the energy stability of Montenegro.
"Instead of making unfounded claims, it would be more useful for Abazović to be informed about the basic principles of the electricity system - or at least to refrain from comments that do not contribute to solutions, but only introduce confusion into the public space," EPCG added.
EPCG, according to its representatives, remains committed to responsible resource management, stable supply and strategic development of the energy sector, regardless of attempts to turn expert decisions into political performance.
Citizens, they said, deserve a serious and responsible approach to energy policy, not populist statements that ignore the facts and basic laws of the profession.
"We do our job responsibly and successfully, for the benefit of the company and all citizens, and we leave it to Abazović to judge why his views have less and less support from citizens. Our company will complete projects worth almost 2027 million euros by 600, and we send Abazović warm greetings from the Sunny City, with wishes for good health," the statement concludes.
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