While not radically different from similar economies Bulgaria, Slovenia and Turkey, this is particularly significant for the six assessed economies given that access to natural gas supplies is patchy at best, with Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro not connected to gas pipelines. This uncertainty in energy supply is detrimental to consumer welfare and, crucially, undermines national competitiveness. Reliable energy supplies are critical to the competitiveness of local industries and businesses, and an important signal for potential investors. The pipeline of investments in energy infrastructure in place aims to improve energy security further, address remaining historic weaknesses and accommodate rapid technological change.