In advanced economies, reduced electricity rates during daytime hours when prices are lower on the market are a common practice. Serbia is preparing to adopt a similar approach once enough smart meters are installed. Currently, Serbia applies lower electricity tariffs only during the night when electricity is cheaper. Recently, the price of electricity on the exchange has also dropped significantly during the day due to increased production from solar power plants.
Experts in the energy sector point out that high levels of solar power generation at certain times have led to lower daytime electricity prices. This suggests that Serbia could potentially offer cheaper daytime rates as seen in Western countries. Such a move would benefit consumers by lowering their electricity bills and promoting more efficient energy use, thereby reducing the strain on the power grid.
Željko Marković, an energy expert, notes that implementing daytime tariffs faces challenges in Serbia because about 50% of consumers still use old meters that would need manual adjustments for the new rates. This manual process is both time-consuming and complex. However, those with newer meters could already access cheaper daytime tariffs. The primary concern is ensuring fairness, as those with outdated meters would have to wait longer for the lower rates.
Marković explains that the shift to daytime tariffs will become viable once a sufficient number of smart meters are installed. Currently, only about 10% of old meters have been replaced with smart meters. Once this figure reaches 80%, implementing lower daytime tariffs will be more straightforward, and the adjustment of remaining old meters will be less cumbersome.
Biljana Komnenić, Director of Elektrodistribucija Srbije, recently reported that 387,000 meters have been replaced out of a total of 520,000 funded by the European Union. The replacement process has gained momentum, with over 100,000 meters being replaced each month. The project is supported by funding from the European Union, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Investment Bank, amounting to 80 million euros.
Komnenić also stated that Elektrodistribucija Srbije has instructed contractors to notify residents in advance about meter replacements through written notices displayed prominently.
Currently, the lower, or night tariff, is available at different times in Serbia: from 11 PM to 7 AM in Vojvodina, from midnight to 8 AM in Belgrade, and from 10 PM to 6 AM in central Serbia.
