The North Macedonian parliament has discussed the draft energy law in its second reading, during which 61 proposed changes were accepted. The most significant ones are:
- Mandatory installation of storage facilities (batteries) for new renewable power plants.
- Investors are required to prove that they have funds amounting to 100,000 euros in an account or fixed assets when applying for a license to perform energy trade and electricity supply activities.
- Further specification of the provisions for the appointment and dismissal of members of the Energy Regulatory Commission.
- An exception to the unbundling rules has been introduced, allowing gas distribution companies to supply gas in markets with fewer than 100,000 connected consumers.
- Requirement for the electricity system operator to notify the Energy Regulatory Authority about each sale of excess electricity.
- Obligation for energy activity license holders to report income from each activity separately in their annual reports, according to the activity code.
- Transitional provisions for the existing certifications of MEPSO and NOMAGAS, and for new energy activity providers who must now obtain a license under this law.
As part of the proposed energy reform, the Ministry of Energy is transferring the ownership structure of the electricity transmission operator MEPSO to improve the management of the network.
The new law aims to liberalise the electricity market, introduce smart meters, support new concepts such as citizen energy communities and active demand management models, and enhance market liquidity and infrastructure stability.