Bulgaria's Photovoltaics Demand EU Recommendations in Energy Sector

The Bulgarian Photovoltaic Association (BPVA) has proposed that the government invite experts from the EU Commission to for a new assessment of the troubled energy sector.

In a statement BVPA officials have reiterated renewables should not be blamed for the billions-worth fiscal gap in energy, in response to frequently voiced remarks that high electricity bills are caused by the expensive energy produced by "green" sources.

The association has voiced its anger at interim Economy Minister Vasil Shtonov, who earlier spoke of the "burden" renewables, and more specifically photovoltaics, impose on the sector.

It believes the statement was made with no through and profound legal and financial analysis of the management at state entities, the National Electric Company (NEK) and the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) conducted prior
to that.

NEK is expecting a loss of BGN 1 B for 2014 alone, with its total debts surpassing BGN 3.1 B as of September 2, according to Shtonov's estimates.


Politicians and experts have warned an abrupt increase in electricity prices could cause social tensions, as it did in February 2013 when it led to mass protests that toppled down conservative GERB's government.

Photovoltaics, for their part, have argued the political question about Bulgarian citizens' falls outside the scope of the energy sector and is related to boosting economic growth, creating more jobs and attracting investment.

Electricity bills are expected to rise by up to 10 percent as of Wednesday, October 1.

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