Mickoski: Electricity prices to stay fixed until year-end

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said electricity prices in North Macedonia will not change until the end of the year, and that the government will work to keep the current level after January 1. Speaking to reporters after opening a new primary school in Čento, he said the government's priority is preserving energy stability.

Mickoski said that policies applied despite the global energy crisis have kept fuel prices in the country lower than in many European countries, and that the government wants to take a similar approach to electricity prices. He said the bodies seeking price adjustments are not limited to AD ESM, and that the electricity system operator and distribution company EVN are also part of the process. He disagreed with the view that electricity prices depend only on ESM.

He argued that under current market conditions a price below 65 euros cannot be offered, and said even 65 euros is roughly three times lower than what consumers pay in neighboring countries and other parts of Europe. He said he expects no price increase before December, while the final decision on the period after January 1 will depend on statements from energy companies and the Regulatory Board's decision. He also said no changes are planned to consumption tiers in electricity tariffs.