The Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources received a positive response from the Energy Community Secretariat on the draft version of the Methodology for measuring the level of energy poverty. In their comment, it was confirmed that the document is in line with European standards and the obligations arising from Directive (EU) 2019/944, which obliges countries to establish and publish criteria for determining energy poverty.
This means that the methodology is fully acceptable for publication, and at the same time it is the first such systematized document in the country that will enable real measurement and monitoring of this phenomenon.
With this methodology, for the first time, clear criteria for recognizing vulnerable households are established – such as low-income, high-energy costs in the family budget and low energy efficiency of households. These parameters will be the basis for further annual programs for the protection of vulnerable energy consumers.
Why is the methodology important?
· It will enable institutions to have a clear picture of the scope and structure of energy poverty in the country.
· It will serve as a basis for creating targeted policies and measures to protect households that face the most difficulties in securing energy.
· It will contribute to harmonization with European practices and standards, as part of the broader agenda for energy transition and social sustainability.
The Ministry of energy is already working on the next steps – preparing an annual program for the protection of vulnerable consumers, where the methodology will be a central tool for defining priorities and interventions.
“With this methodology, we will systematically measure energy poverty in the country for the first time. It will allow us to clearly identify the households that are most affected and to create precise, targeted measures for their protection. Our goal is for no one to be left on the margins. This is a strong step forward towards more just and more socially sustainable energy policy,” the мinister of еnergy, мining and мineral resources, Sanja Bozhinovska said.
With this, North Macedonia is making a significant step forward in building a just energy policy that cares for citizens and puts the social dimension of the energy transition in focus.
Kind regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources