Montenegro’s average residential electricity bill declined sharply in September 2026 as monthly consumption fell from summer levels, while demand remained higher than a year earlier. Figures released by national electricity utility EPCG show the September bill averaged €34.22. This was down 30.6% from €49.31 in August.
On a year-on-year basis, the September average bill of €34.22 compared with €28.51 in September 2025. That change corresponds to an increase of approximately 20%. The figures indicate that lower monthly bills do not necessarily translate into a sustained fall in overall household electricity spending.
Consumption levels remain above last year
EPCG data also show that electricity consumption stayed above the previous year’s level during September. Households used approximately 121.4 GWh, up 16.23% year on year. At the same time, consumption fell by 30.11% compared with August.
Municipalities recorded different consumption and billing outcomes across Montenegro. Kolašin reported the lowest average electricity bill at €21.70. Ulcinj registered the highest average bill at approximately €44.90.
Distribution of bills and customer discounts
The distribution of residential bills shows most consumers receiving payments in lower monthly categories. Approximately 62.12% of households received bills below €30, while 19.87% paid between €30 and €50. Another 13.82% faced bills between €50 and €100, and 4.19% received bills exceeding €100.
EPCG reported that 134,779 customers qualifying through regular payment received a discount in September. The discount was equivalent to approximately 32.3% of total consumers . For EPCG, changes in consumption affect retail electricity sales, procurement requirements, and the balance between domestic generation and market purchases .
Seasonal decline versus annual demand growth
The September results reflect seasonal consumption effects alongside higher demand compared with the same month last year. While the drop from August reduced immediate household expenditure, consumption compared with September 2025 remained elevated. This indicates that residential electricity needs had not returned to the previous year’s level.
The bill distribution also remains relevant for affordability assessments and the design of customer support measures . Montenegro’s residential electricity market enters the colder months with lower bills than during August, but underlying consumption is still stronger than a year earlier .
