Sometime next week, North Macedonia is set to declare a state of national emergency due to the energy crisis, reports the Ministry of Economy.

According to the head of MEPSO – N. Macedonia’s energy operator – Kushtrim Ramadani, this would imply that procedures of energy imports would be alleviated.

Ramadani also said that the country is dependent on imports, especially in the face of the present energy crisis. In addition, he underlined that North Macedonia imports its electricity from Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Kosovo, while pointing out that they have to purchase their energy at an overly priced cost.

The MESPO director also clarified that the mismanagement of the water supply in hydropower plants, outdated infrastructure and the lack of coal for thermal centrals, are amongst the main causes that are resulting in extremely low levels of production – around 10% of the usual capacity.

During the upcoming meeting of the Macedonian Government, set to take place next Tuesday, officials are expected to unanimously declare a national energy crisis.

“The Government will convene next Tuesday, during which we will submit our proposal of declaring an energy crisis and what our next steps should be,” – said the Ministry of Economy in an official notice.

It’s worthy of mentioning that the Macedonian government has previously ensured its citizens that at least until the end of the year, there won’t be any power cuts or a rise in the price of electricity.