Montenegro’s electricity distribution operator CEDIS recorded network losses of 6.82% in September, down from 7.23% in the same month a year earlier and 7.95% in September 2024, while advancing an advanced metering programme worth more than €8 million.
The reduction was achieved despite an increase in electricity volumes entering the distribution network. CEDIS received 261.9 GWh in September, approximately 30.6 GWh more than during the corresponding month of the previous year. Across the first nine months of 2026, electricity entering the distribution system totalled approximately 2.575 TWh. Cumulative network losses declined to 9.61%, compared with 9.73% over the same period a year earlier.
CEDIS estimates that the improvement saved approximately 3,000 MWh of electricity, equivalent to around €400,000 at prevailing market values. Lower technical and commercial losses improve distribution economics by reducing the volume of electricity that must be purchased without generating corresponding revenue. The financial benefit becomes particularly significant when wholesale electricity prices are high.
More Than €8 Million for Advanced Metering
CEDIS is implementing the fourth phase of its advanced metering programme, with investment exceeding €8 million. The project includes the reconstruction or relocation of approximately 22,500 metering points, with around 49% of the planned works completed.
Advanced meters can improve billing accuracy, identify irregular consumption and help utilities locate network sections experiencing unusually high technical losses. They also provide more detailed consumption data for distribution system management. Such information is becoming increasingly relevant as Montenegro expands distributed solar generation, electric vehicle use and more flexible electricity tariffs.
Monthly and Cumulative Losses
The September loss rate of 6.82% represents a record monthly operational result, while the cumulative rate of 9.61% for the first nine months indicates that further reductions remain possible across the full year. The difference between monthly and cumulative performance reflects seasonal electricity consumption, network conditions and historical loss levels.
Continued improvements could allow CEDIS to allocate additional financial resources to network reinforcement and digitalisation. Montenegro’s distribution infrastructure will require further investment as renewable generation expands and electricity demand patterns change. Modern metering infrastructure and lower network losses can strengthen the financial basis for these investments by improving revenue collection and reducing operating costs. The results also provide measurable evidence of the financial benefits associated with distribution system modernisation, beyond the technology and EU-compliance aspects of the programme.
