The Macedonian government has put forward a proposed amendment to the Electricity Market Law aimed at enhancing consumer protection regarding the supply of electricity. This proposed legislation, which is currently undergoing a public review process, seeks to establish safeguards prohibiting the disconnection of electricity supply to specific vulnerable populations, namely early-disconnection consumers and households identified as energy poor. During a recent government session, the Minister for Economy, Ante Šušar, announced that these amendments are designed to provide an additional layer of protection against utility disconnection.
The core objective of the proposed legal changes is to safeguard the continuous access to electricity for those deemed most vulnerable to energy insecurity. According to the ministry, the adopted amendments will mandate specific risk management protocols for utility management systems. These new regulations are intended to limit the risks associated with sudden service interruptions, ensuring that critical energy needs are met even during periods of potential strain on the grid.
The focus of the proposed law is thus twofold: first, to legally restrict the grounds and procedures under which an electricity disconnection can occur for designated low-income or vulnerable households; and second, to formalize enhanced management oversight to prevent service disruption. By strengthening these provisions within the Electricity Market Law, the government aims to bolster energy stability and ensure that basic electricity access remains protected for all citizens, particularly those facing difficulties maintaining consistent energy supplies.
Topics: #disconnection #energy #electricity
