DPS: EPCG takes citizens' money and does not request changes to the Regulation, the question is why citizens continue to pay subsidies

The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) announced that the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG) is "taking citizens' money" and that it is not seeking an amendment to the Regulation on the fee for encouraging the production of electricity from renewable sources and high-efficiency cogeneration.

That party asked why citizens continue to pay subsidies.

"The model for encouraging the production of electricity from renewable sources in Montenegro is defined through the Regulation on the Fee for Encouraging the Production of Electricity from Renewable Sources and High-Efficiency Cogeneration, but it is important to clearly emphasize that this is a by-law that can be changed in accordance with market trends. In this context, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore has the full right, but also the institutional obligation, to initiate changes to this Regulation towards the Government at any time, especially in situations when the market price of electricity exceeds the guaranteed price at which energy is purchased from privileged producers," DPS announced.

The government itself, they add, can take this measure, especially in a situation where all prices are drastically rising.

"It is precisely in such circumstances that a paradox arises: while the market generates surplus value, citizens continue to pay a fee for renewable energy sources through their electricity bills. This is no longer a matter of legal necessity, but a matter of political decision. If the public often calls for the protection of citizens' social standards, then this protection must be reflected in concrete measures. The most direct and effective measure in this case is EPCG's initiative towards the Government to amend the Regulation, in order to reduce or eliminate the burden that citizens pay through their electricity bills."

DPS states that the data further confirms this need.

"In the period from 2021 to 2025, EPCG purchased energy from the Možura wind farm for around 55,9 million euros, while the market value of that same energy was around 89,5 million euros, indicating a surplus value of approximately 33,6 million euros. In such conditions, it is completely justified to ask the question: why do citizens continue to pay subsidies, if the market already provides sufficient value? The conclusion is clear - Elektroprivreda Crne Gore has the ability to initiate changes to the Regulation at any time. What is missing is not a legal basis, but a political decision to adapt the system to real market conditions and protect the standard of citizens," the DPS announced.