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15.08.2011 15:05

New Energy Act Unbundles Serbian Electricity Market in 2012

In early 2015 small consumers and households would have the possibility to choose their supplier, while the industry should have access to the liberalized market as of next year.

AUTHOR: publics.bg

© freefotouk@flickr.com

National Assembly of Serbia adopted the new Energy Act, which should liberalize all parts of the country’s energy market. The new energy act is seen as another harmonization step in Serbia’s path to EU membership, serbia-energy.com reported.

The new energy law increases the role of the Serbian Energy Agency and aims at securing the supplies. Furthermore, investment procedures see a significant simplification. Renewable energy and energy efficiency matters would have more investments incentives.

According to the new law as of October 1, 2012, the Energy Agency will be determining the prices of electricity and gas, currently controlled by the government.

The new energy act pins the liberalization of electricity market as of January, 2013. In early 2015 small consumers and households would have the possibility to choose their supplier, while the industry should have access to the liberalized market as of next year.

The much expected balancing market and energy exchange should also become reality in 2012.

Feed-in tariffs are planned for electricity from biomass, wind, water, solar and geothermal energy. Wind and solar higher feed-in tariff period is 3 years which could be further extended with one year.

As of next year consumers would be able to see the green energy tariff separately in their electricity bills.

Certificates for green energy would allow producers to export electricity. The certificates would be issued for quantities starting at 1MWh.

In accordance with harmonization process with European regulations, the new right for access to gas pipelines and grid network are allowed, with certain exceptions.

It is planed that the energy permits are issued for period of three years, instead of 2 years as it was the case so far. Energy licenses will be valid for 10 years, except for producers of electricity and heat energy whose license will be valid for 30 years.

The energy law introduces also energy inspectors and inspectors for pressure parts and equipment for supervision of facilities for electricity production, production, transport and storage of oil and gas. The inspection will be carried out by the Ministry of Energy.