“Transparency is not a choice – it is an obligation; State-owned energy companies hold joint briefing at the Ministry”

A media briefing on the current developments in the energy sector was held at the Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, where the Minister of Energy, Sanja Božinovska, and the directors of the three key state-owned energy companies — Lazo Uzunchev (AD ESM), Dr. Burim Latifi (MEPSO), and Zoran Gjorgjievski (MEMO) — gave their statements. This joint appearance was organized to provide continuous, open, direct, and timely responses to all public interest questions related to the functioning of the energy system.

The focus of the briefing was on the financial state of the state-owned companies, the stability of the electricity network, current challenges, and the steps institutions are taking to ensure long-term security of supply.

The General Director of AD ESM, Lazo Uzunchev, emphasized that the company operates in a complex financial context, with inherited obligations and pressure from increased maintenance costs of aging facilities, as well as ambitious plans for transitioning to renewable sources. It was also stressed that measures are being taken to rationalize costs, increase production efficiency, and improve technical and technological processes in electricity generation facilities. The state of hydrological reserves significantly improved during April and May. A solid volume of water has been accumulated, positively impacting the reserves for electricity production, which now exceed 48 percent of the total available reservoir capacity. This positive trend, expected to continue in the coming period, is key to ensuring stability in the electricity supply.

Uzunchev stated that the primary goal of AD ESM is to enter the upcoming heating season with at least 300,000 MWh of hydropower potential. This will ensure a secure and continuous supply of electricity from domestic sources, the ability to quickly activate additional capacities during periods of high demand, and provide the necessary flexibility and reliability of the power system.

Through these measures, the company is actively and dedicatedly working on strengthening domestic electricity production.

The Director of MEPSO, Dr. Burim Latifi, reported on the current state of the transmission network, noting that in recent months, several outages have been recorded in certain parts of the system, particularly in the western and southeastern regions. He pointed out that parts of the network are technologically outdated and operating under high voltage stress, which is why MEPSO is initiating a process of modernization of key transformer stations and reinforcement of critical segments of the grid.

The Manager of MEMO, Zoran Gjorgjievski, presented data on the movements of the organized electricity market and the functionality of market mechanisms, especially in the context of public institutions purchasing electricity through the domestic exchange. Additionally, Gjorgjievski spoke about the importance of issuing Guarantees of Origin for electricity, market coupling, and the establishment of the intraday market.

Minister Božinovska emphasized the importance of direct communication with the public and stated that such joint appearances will become a regular practice. “This is part of our commitment — institutions must be open, accountable, and present when there are questions and concerns. Transparency is not a choice, but an obligation,” the Minister stated.

The Ministry of Energy and the energy companies remain committed to regularly informing the public and creating an atmosphere of trust through such direct meetings and clear communication on all matters of importance for citizens and the economy.