EPCG to introduce three tariff models, renewable energy guarantees of origin

Power company Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) will for the first time introduce tariff models for electricity consumers – blue, red and green – as well as a basic model for all those who do not sign a contract for one of the three models. The new tariff models, which will take effect on May 1, will result in electricity price changes ranging from a 2% decrease to a 6% increase on average, according to EPCG.

EPCG said that the energy component accounts for 45% of the final bill, meaning that customers who do not opt for any of the three models, but stick to the basic model, will pay 2.7% more for electricity.

Blue model

The blue model implies the division of tariff elements during the day into a higher and a lower daily tariff, depending on the amount of electricity consumed. The first 150 kWh in the lower daily tariff and the first 150 kWh in the higher daily tariff will be 2% cheaper compared to current prices.

According to EPCG, more than 60% of customers consume less than 300 kWh per month.
If a customer consumes more than 150 kWh in any of the daily tariffs, each additional kWh will be charged at a higher price.

Red model

The red model implies the same daily tariff every day, 24 hours a day, regardless of electricity consumption. The price for this model is lower compared to the basic model if the customer consumes more that 75% of electricity during the higher daily tariff (from 7 a.m. till 11 p.m.).

Green model

The price of electricity in the green model is by 0.2 eurocents higher than in the basic model, but involves the delivery of green energy with guarantees of origin.

Having in mind the experience from the EU and the region, this model is mainly chosen by socially responsible individuals and companies, EPCG said.

New price will be 50% lower than market price

Rajko Šebek, head of the EPCG Corporate Communications, said for Balkan Green Energy News that by introducing the tariff models, the company aims to establish a balance between high prices on power exchanges and socio-economic challenges in the country, also taking into account vulnerable consumers.

He said that electricity prices in Montenegro depend solely on freely-set supplier prices with legally defined limitations (an increase in electricity prices may not be higher than 6%) that are directly tied to prices on the Hungarian Power Exchange – HUPEX.

According to EPCG, the price on the HUPEX has been rising steadily over the past two years, and is currently about 50% higher than the end-user price in Montenegro.

From May 1, the electricity price for households in Montenegro will be EUR 42 per MWh, Šebek said, adding that if a 13% discount for regular payment is included (there is about 200,000 customers, or 60% of all customers, who pay their bills on time), the price will be EUR 37 per MWh, while the current price on the HUPEX is EUR 67 per MWh.