The management of the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG) initiated a workforce rationalization process last year, which is expected to continue this year, with the goal of reducing the number of employees to around 1,150 by the end of the year, said the Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas, Admir Šahmanović.
Šahmanović, who also leads the Ministry of Energy, stated in the Parliament that EPCG employed 938 workers as of January 1, 2021, and 1,190 workers as of March 24 this year.
“In line with strategic objectives, EPCG’s management began the workforce rationalization process last year. From April of the previous year to March of this year, the number of employees was reduced by 55. This process is expected to continue this year, and by the end of the year, the number of employees is expected to be around 1,150, which represents an additional reduction of 37 positions,” Šahmanović responded to a question from Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) MP Sonja Milatović.
Milatović inquired about the number of employees at EPCG on January 1, 2021, and March 24, this year, as well as the number of employees in its subsidiary company, Solar Gradnja, as of today.
Šahmanović emphasized that the rationalization process is not at the expense of quality or expertise. On the contrary, the structure of the workforce has significantly been rejuvenated, with the average age of employees decreasing from 49 to 45, and around 80 engineers with various technical profiles being hired.
This, he explained, is part of EPCG’s efforts to build capacities for facing the challenges of energy transition and sector modernization.
Šahmanović further noted that the Ministry of Energy will focus on improving the employment system in the energy sector to make it more transparent, fair, and efficient. “The Ministry is closely monitoring all the specific steps that EPCG’s management is taking in this direction,” he said.
Regarding Solar Gradnja, the number of employees as of March 24 this year was 421. Šahmanović pointed out that, after two years of negative financial performance, the company achieved positive financial results last year, amounting to EUR 91,330. This, he said, marks the path to financial stability and long-term sustainability for the company.
“Despite the challenges of the rationalization process, EPCG is currently in the most significant investment cycle in its recent history, with projects worth over half a billion euros,” Šahmanović emphasized.
These projects include an increase in production capacity by an additional 600 megawatts (MW), which will be crucial for Montenegro’s energy independence, accelerating the transition to renewable sources and fostering economic development.
Additionally, the ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja thermal power plant (TPP) is in its final stages, with an investment of EUR 72 million, expected to be completed by the end of this year, Šahmanović added.
According to him, the Ministry of Energy, along with the government, is closely monitoring all activities within EPCG’s management structures to ensure actions are responsible, strategic, and aligned with the public interest.
“Our common goal remains the development of a strong, stable, and sustainable energy system in Montenegro, where professionalism, responsibility, and growth serve the interests of all citizens”, concluded Šahmanović.
