Even though Macedonia according to the Doing Business 2012 report is ranked 22nd out of 183 economies, according to the indicator on getting electricity the country assumes the 121st place.

This indicator includes three sub-indicators - the number of procedures for getting an external connection works, time needed for the procedure and costs for every procedure.

"As a government we are firmly determined to take all additional measures in order to improve the state surrounding the indicator for getting an electricity. Today's public debate aims at informing the public about the steps made by state institutions and companies to better protect the consumers. They will also contribute to improving the investment climate, because access to electricity is one of the most significant preconditions for economic development and social stability," Economy Minister Valon Saraqini said on Friday at a round-table on the realization of recommendations stemming from the Doing Business 2012 report.

He added that activities would aim to reduce the time for issuing a technical acceptance for connection works, more transparent methodology for calculating costs will be required and there will be a possibility for the operator of the distribution system to pay penalties in case a delay emerges.

There are standard and non-standard connections for electricity in Macedonia. Connections for households and small industrial capacities are considered standard, while those for large industrial capacities are non-standard.