The price of electricity is the same, but the bills can be substantial because of the air conditioner

The tropical temperatures that hit the residents of Montenegro these days increased the total consumption of electricity by 12,6 percent compared to the beginning of August.

The head of the sector for managing the production and trade of electricity at EPCG, Momir Grbović, told "Vijesti" that the current consumption of electricity in Montenegro is 15,5 percent higher.

"In the category of distribution consumption of households and small and medium-sized enterprises, the current consumption of electricity is higher by 15,5 percent. Due to changes in meteorological conditions in Montenegro, the total consumption of electricity has increased by 12,6 percent compared to the beginning of August," he said. Grbovic.

The biggest increase in electricity consumption was recorded in Podgorica and Danilovgrad, as much as 30 percent compared to the beginning of August. Due to the more intensive use of cooling devices and the fact that the tourist season is at its peak, coastal cities also record an increase in consumption of 10 to 20 percent.

Electricity consumption in Budva increased by 17,6 percent. Cities in the north of Montenegro do not record significant deviations in electricity consumption. When it comes to direct consumers, among whom are KAP, Željezara and Željeznica, the consumption of electricity, says Grboivć, is somewhat lower than planned.

Until April 1, 2012, the price of electricity remains the same

The price of electricity will not change until the expiration of the period of one year established on the first of April of the current year, while the monthly amount of the consumer's bill can only be affected by its consumption.

Grbovic

"The monthly amount of EPCG consumer bills can only be affected by consumption. I would like to remind you that Montenegro lacks 30 percent of the total amount of electrical energy, so in the period of increased consumption, such as the current situation, EPCG is forced to import additional goods. Namely, consumption is in relation to at the beginning of August higher by 1,5 million kilowatt hours per day.

Considering that the current price of electricity for the second part of August on the European stock exchanges, especially in the surrounding area and in Hungary as the closest to the Balkans, reached 65 euros per megawatt hour for the band, and the price of imported energy approved by the RAE decision is 47,42 euros per MWh, the cost of the company is 100 thousand euros per day higher than planned," Grbović said.

Air conditioning uses the least at 25 Celsius

Considering the increased use of cooling devices, EPCG says that there is still a possibility to reduce electricity consumption.

"Over 80 percent of energy in households is used for heating and cooling the space and obtaining hot water. However, even in the conditions of current extremely high temperatures, it is possible to reduce electricity consumption if consumers adhere to the recommended temperature of cooling devices of 25°C.

For every °C lower temperature set on the air conditioning thermostat, 3 to 5 percent more energy is consumed.

In periods of high consumption, it is necessary to draw attention to the responsible use of electricity, especially considering the deficit of 30 percent of electricity that Montenegro has to import," Grbović said.