It is my immense pleasure to have been part of this important event, representing a significant advancement in the modernization of Montenegro’s energy sector. The signing of the loan agreement between CEDIS and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for financing the CEDIS SCADA – Smart Digitalization Project marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of our energy infrastructure, enabling remote monitoring and management of the distribution network.

The planning for remote monitoring and management projects in the distribution system has been underway for many years, tracing back to approval by the Regulatory Agency for Energy 12 years ago. Unfortunately, due to lack of prioritization, implementation was delayed, leaving Montenegro’s distribution system as one of the few in 2025 without remote management capabilities. Today, we celebrate the much-anticipated kickoff of this implementation—an achievement born from hard work, strategic foresight, and the commitment of everyone involved.

The total investment for this project is €35 million, which allocates €25 million for the implementation of the SCADA/ADMS system, while the remaining €10 million is designated for the acquisition of next-generation smart meters. In addition, the project aims to leverage a €5 million grant from the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) under the auspices of the European Union.

These funds will revolutionize Montenegro’s electricity distribution system, transforming it into a modern, dependable, and efficient network.

I would like to highlight that this project has been considerably improved compared to earlier proposals. While previous iterations focused solely on the central and southern regions of Montenegro, the revised two-phase implementation of SCADA/ADMS, valued at €25 million, will cover the entire territory of Montenegro. This ensures equitable benefits for all distribution system users nationwide.

The key advantages of this project include enhanced reliability and quality of electricity supply, significantly decreasing both the frequency and duration of power outages for consumers. The introduction of remote monitoring and management capabilities will facilitate quicker responses to potential issues, lower maintenance costs, and elevate service standards.

Furthermore, the rollout of smart meters will offer users more precise insights into their electricity consumption, promote more efficient resource usage, and support better cost management.

This collaboration between CEDIS and the EBRD exemplifies how, with the backing of international institutions, we can undertake projects of vital importance for our nation.

I wish to convey my gratitude to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for their trust in Montenegro, and to CEDIS for their commitment to executing this challenging yet crucial project. Special recognition goes to the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG), which provided essential support by issuing a guarantee, thus paving the way for the realization of this initiative. EPCG’s involvement underscores its willingness to be a key partner in enhancing the energy sector, further reinforcing our shared vision of modernization and sustainable development. The Government of Montenegro wholeheartedly supports this initiative and all forthcoming efforts to enhance our energy infrastructure, as we firmly believe that investing in infrastructure is investing in Montenegro’s future,” concluded Deputy Prime Minister Milun Zogović.