If we make the unfeasible reforms set out in the Energy Policy, it will lead to a deep digging into the pockets of Bulgarian citizens, which we will not allow.
This was stated to the Bulgarian National Radio by Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov and added that the government has focused on the option of "renegotiating them in a way that does not harm our national interest, but also preserves our loyalty to the EC", and explained:
"Working piecemeal over the last 4 years and making commitments that are difficult to fulfill have currently brought us to the position in which a large part of the funds under the PPA, if not all, are blocked and important reforms must be renegotiated as soon as possible. ... For the first time, Bulgaria will officially submit a request for amendment to the PPA.
Regarding the liberalization of the electricity market for household consumers set forth in the PPA, he emphasized:
"Whether there will be liberalization or not, household electricity bills will not increase. In the Ministry of Energy, we found an option with a protective mechanism with which to compensate household consumers through the "Security of the Electricity System" Fund.
PPA is a project against reforms, emphasized Minister Stankov and commented:
"There are several reforms that are related to getting two of the most profitable companies out of the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH). This will lead to an early call of over 1.2 billion euros - funds from BEH's bond loans. ... The main desire of the European Commission has always been to ensure that there is no cross-subsidization, you understand - taking from richer companies and directing them to those that have problems with their finances. Taking the companies out of the holding is not a solution, we have found an option and are talking with the EC how this can be guaranteed in another way, without the companies having to be taken out. The way is - with an internal guarantee that the funds from these two companies, including their dividends, will be directed through BEH directly to the state budget, and not remain inside and be directed to other companies, which affects our relations with the EC at the moment".
In the words of Zhecho Stankov Bulgaria has not fulfilled the commitment to an additional 40% reduction in carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants:
"This puts the functioning of our energy sector at risk. ... In 2024, emissions decreased by only 35%, and this winter is colder and we have burned three times more coal, so it is not at all certain that there will be a minus in emissions, and there may even be an increase. Europe has never asked us for this. I do not know why my colleagues have taken it on as a commitment. This threatens the work not only of the thermal power plants, but also of the mines. The commitment was made separately for each power plant, my fight is to have it renegotiated not for each power plant, but at the national level.
For the last 7-8 months, "Bulgargaz" has not had the financial capacity to cover its obligations to "Botaş", the Minister of Energy announced and specified that the contract is unprofitable for Bulgaria and options for its renegotiation are being sought:
"We are trying to load the pipe so as not to pay for something we do not use".
In the program "Nedelya 150" Zhecho Stankov also commented on the state of the ruling coalition, stating that it is stable.