The energy system is sensitive, and investments are not a luxury but a necessity, said Admir Šahmanović, Minister of Energy and Mining, emphasizing that no one should be excluded from the process.
Šahmanović, together with the CEOs of three major state energy companies—Electric Power Industry of Montenegro (EPCG), Montenegrin Electric Distribution System (CEDIS), and Montenegrin Transmission System Operator (CGES)—visited the municipalities of Plav, Berane, and Rožaje.
The visit aimed to directly assess priorities for investments in electric infrastructure, evaluate the condition of distribution and transmission networks, and explore the potential for renewable energy projects in these municipalities.
The focus was on three key areas: strengthening electricity supply security, especially in rural areas; modernizing and expanding the existing network; and creating opportunities for new solar, wind, and bioenergy projects.
Šahmanović highlighted the importance of the visit in understanding urgent local needs and the development opportunities in green energy projects. Currently, investments worth 8 million EUR are underway in the region, with an additional 3 million EUR planned by the end of the year, mainly targeting the revitalization of the distribution network to improve supply in both urban and rural areas.
In Plav, they inspected the site for a new CEDIS office building and discussed plans for investments through the end of the year, which also set the stage for medium-term planning.
Recalling last summer’s complete blackout in Montenegro, Šahmanović stressed how sensitive the energy system is and reiterated that investments are essential for strengthening the grid and developing green energy—not for special interests but for all citizens, including farmers, tourism workers, and entrepreneurs.
He emphasized that energy infrastructure, alongside roads and utilities, is fundamental for life and development, and stressed the need for close communication with local governments to efficiently manage these public projects.
During the visit, the delegation met with local representatives and technical teams to map priority needs and speed up project implementation.
At a working meeting in Rožaje with the municipality’s president, discussions covered topics such as supply stability, network capacity, and investment and educational projects in partnership with local authorities.
Ivan Bulatović, CEO of EPCG, pointed out the northern region’s significant energy potential and concrete needs, noting the dual focus on production and local supply security.
Vladimir Ivanović, CEO of CEDIS, stated that modernizing low-voltage networks and stabilizing rural electricity supply are key priorities. He also noted that CEDIS invests around 40 million EUR annually in metering equipment, SCADA preparations, and reconstruction of energy facilities, with about 20% allocated to Region 3, which includes Plav, Rožaje, Berane, Petnjica, Andrijevica, and Gusinje.
Ivan Asanović, CEO of CGES, stressed the strategic importance of strengthening the transmission system in the north to support Montenegro’s green transition. CGES is actively developing the transmission network to ensure reliable integration of wind and solar power plants, underpinning a sustainable energy future.
