Levica urges EVN to face accountability after Studeničani fire

Levica urged that EVN be held accountable after preliminary reports linked a blaze near Ramni Gaber in Studeničani to a spark from a distribution network cable.

"The fire near Ramni Gaber in Studeničani raises this question. According to initial information provided by the competent authorities, the fire was caused by a spark from a cable on the distribution network. If confirmed, the investigation must not end with simply determining the cause. Responsibility must be borne as well, because the fire could have been prevented and might not have happened at all.

Network rules require the operator to have organised system maintenance, and for overhead lines they explicitly prescribe inspections, controls, tests and audits, as well as repairs, removal of defects and elimination of faults. Among other things, citizens are billed for that. Therefore, cables are not to be left hanging over Macedonia; their condition must be monitored and risks removed before a spark becomes a fire.

Especially in summer, when high temperatures affect the sag of overhead conductors, monitoring critical spans, clearances, vegetation and the mechanical condition of the network is a basic prevention," Levica said in a statement.

Fires are also burning in Makedonski Brod, Studeničani, Ilinden, Bitola and Želino, according to authorities' situational updates.

Levica noted that EVN is part of an Austrian energy group headquartered in Austria and has operated for years in an ultra‑privileged position on the domestic distribution market. The party said citizens are well acquainted with the company's efficiency when it comes to collecting debts, calculating interest and disconnecting customers.

"It is only right that we see the same efficiency when their maintenance file needs to be opened.

The state and prosecutorial authorities cannot move only when there is a possibility of an arson, while for a powerful energy entity a similar spark is recorded as a weather incident and everyone goes home.

Levica demands that every fire for which there are indications it originates from the electricity distribution network be subject to a thorough technical and legal investigation, to determine the exact line, ownership, technical condition, dates and records of the last inspections, reported defects and interventions undertaken. If it is determined that a fire occurred due to missed maintenance, untimely removal of a defect or other omission — both criminal and material liability must be investigated.

"EVN must not be above the law! Enough with the treatment of untouchability. Whoever charges for the network — must also be responsible for the network. Whoever takes the profit — must bear the risk," Levica said.

Photo: MIA