The threshold for households or consumer-producers’ power plants will be increased to 10 kW and at the same time the deadline for issuing permits for the installation of rooftop photovoltaics will be shortened. For the first time in the legislative regulation, a legal deadline for the administrative procedure for issuing permits for the installation of rooftop photovoltaics for consumer-producers is proposed. These changes are foreseen in the proposals for amendments to the Law on Energy Efficiency that the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources (MERMS) has published on ener.gov.mk
The deadline of one month will apply to the procedure for issuing a permit for the installation of solar equipment with a capacity of up to 100 kW, as well as for consumer-producer of renewable energy and for renewable energy communities. The changes provide higher thresholds for the power plants of the consumer-producers, for households the limit is up to 10 kW, and for companies – 70 kW.
The proposed changes also simplify the procedure for connecting a consumer-producer using RES (renewable energy sources) to the electricity distribution network. In case during the analysis of the connection conditions, it is determined that connection to the proposed location is not possible, the electric distribution system operator is obliged within 15 days from the date of submission of the connection request, to notify the applicant in writing and propose an alternative connection point, based on technical and safety reasons or incompatibility of the system components. The electric distribution system operator is obliged to connect the energy facility to the electric distribution network within one month from the official confirmation of the completeness of the submitted documentation. If the electric distribution system operator does not respond within the deadline set by the network rules, it is considered that the consent for connection has been given.
This proposed legislative solution takes a decisive step towards energy independence and integration of renewable energy sources, reducing energy consumption, emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane hydrocarbons and particles and is harmonizing with EU standards.
At the same time, the package of measures strengthens energy efficiency and creates a stable framework for renewable energy sources with direct economic and environmental benefits for citizens and businesses.
The document is prepared according to the principle-energy efficiency comes first and opens a clear and practical path for a faster transition to a cleaner environment without jeopardizing the stability of the system.
The Ministry also proposes a 20-year strategy for the renovation of residential, public and commercial buildings with energy-efficient solutions. The Government, at the proposal of MERMS, is adopting a long-term strategy for the reconstruction of residential, public and commercial buildings, which will transform these buildings and residential and business facilities into highly energy-efficient buildings with almost zero consumption, with the possibility of wide integration of renewable energy sources (RES), such as solar systems.
The implementation of RES will reduce greenhouse gases and protect the environment, achieving the climate neutrality as well.
Savings in the public sector will also increase triple, i.e. MERMS, in cooperation with the General and Common Affairs Service of the Government, is also preparing a draft plan for the reconstruction of buildings used in the public sector, and with the reconstruction of at least 3% of the useful floor area of the buildings, the annual energy savings will increase from 1% to 3%. This applies to buildings with a total usable floor area of over 250 square meters that do not meet the minimum energy performance requirements and that are used by public sector officials at the state level.
The installation of solar hot water collectors in new public buildings or during significant reconstruction of buildings becomes mandatory, if technically and economically feasible.
MERMS also establishes financial mechanisms, public calls and a one-stop shop for supporting energy efficiency and RES projects, enabling investments in solar panels, geothermal systems and smart technologies, as mechanisms for achieving the goals of the Reconstruction Strategy.
The public sector is committed to purchase products, vehicles and buildings with the highest energy and environmental standards, including energy performance certificates, promoting technologies with a low carbon footprint.
The changes also affect the creation of opportunities for inter-municipal cooperation for local development in municipalities with fewer than 15,000 inhabitants. They can form joint bodies for energy efficiency programs and by adopting an energy efficiency program they will also gain access to the Energy Efficiency Fund.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources