MUNICIPALITY CONNECTS ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS AND DISTRIBUTORS
21.06.2010
During a recent meeting  of the citizens of the Palilula Municipality with President Prof Dr Igor Novakovic, as one of the problems of people in the localities, it was stated supply of electric energy. Citizens are especially worried about unpopular action of excluding of electricity in households because of arrears, which currently conducts ED “Jugoistok”. In order to find appropriate solutions and assist socially vulnerable populations in Municipality, in the hall of the Cultural Centre Nis (NKC) was organized meeting of the Citizens` Councils and management of ED “Jugoistok” Nis. Discussion was led by Milos Stojkovic, a member or Palilula Municipality Council, one of the initiators of this meeting, and of possibilities that could may apply in these situations spoke Dragoslav Pavlovic, head of technical services at the Pogon Jug - ED "Jugoistok. " Our sales department is very interested in the people who have arrears to reach a certain agreement and therefore we would not apply the measures of exclusion of electricity to households- emphasize Pavlovic. As a possibility the of suspension of this unpopular actions of excluding electricity is listed three options of possible deal with customers. First, the settlement of debt in the amount of 50 percent, the second option, the settlement of debt in the amount of 30 percent and the agreement on deferred payments within six months and the third variant of the settlement of debt in the amount of 30 percent and the agreement for six years. According to the words of  Milos Stojkovic, member of Palilula Municipality Council, it was agreed that these discussions continue with the citizens and in local offices. Otherwise, the EPS requires that the real price of electricity which will pay all consumers. However, in order to protect the poorest it is need to establish the criteria by which will accurately define who are the poor citizens. Peter Škundrić, Minister of Mines and Energy, recently said that the poor must be separated from other layers of society on the issue of payment of electricity bills. Responsible Minister advocated that wealthy households pay the real market price of electricity, and to enable the poor to the advantage lower prices for settle of obligations to the EPS. “Price of electricity can not be social categories. We must create a social map which would be a base for paying in addition difference in  price for poor people. On the other hand, this system would enable the citizens who have average and above average incomes pay a realistic price of electricity” - said the Minister Škundrić. Social problems cant be dealt with low prices, but with selective social policy-agreed set of participants, organized by Palilula Municipality. When we have reached level of the economic cost of electricity, it is possible to provide the benefits of social policy for the most vulnerable. In this sense, the state has provided certain measures, and most importantly it is that will be defined and set criteria of disadvantaged consumers. It was requested the assistance of experts of the European Commission to participate in defining the criteria on which to decide what it is vulnerable consumer. At the moment it is making drafts of laws on the rational use of energy that provides establishment of the fund for energetic efficiency, aiming to provide and promote accountable, efficient and long-term sustainable use of energy. With this law on the rational use of energy by a statement of the Minister Škundrić, should be created a legal basis for the introduction of subsidies, fiscal and other incentives, as well as to encourage development of projects for improving of energy efficiency.