The government was created to restore normality. We managed to increase the money absorbed under the Electricity Market Security Fund from 9% to 11%. We do not do our job with fanfare, but we do it qualitatively. Unlike previous governments, we are conducting daily and concrete talks with the EC about the Electricity Market Security Fund in order to preserve the Bulgarian energy sector.
This was stated in the program "Denyat na Live" on NOVA NEWS by the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, quoted by novini.bg.
"The politicization on the topic of the liberalization of the electricity market aims to instill fear among Bulgarian citizens. We at the ministry are ready for all options. If the date of July 1 this year remains and liberalization starts, there will be no impact on our electricity bills. We have found an option to compensate household consumers through the "Electricity System Security" Fund. The very first electricity bills we receive will have a line with a minus. This means that if, for example, you have been receiving an electricity bill of 150 leva until now, and after the liberalization of the market you receive a bill of 400 leva, you will have a line with a minus of 250 leva in it, so that the amount you pay to the electricity distribution companies will be the same as it was before liberalization. We are also working on an energy support mechanism, so that households with lower incomes will be protected. The targeted measures also include energy subsidies, which will be updated according to real needs. This is not state aid. State aid is when funds are allocated to legal entities. We have allocated 2 billion leva in the state budget for the renovation of buildings. This money will cover all those who have submitted applications for renovation," he was categorical.
"During the PP-DB administration, the Chaira Hydroelectric Power Plant was severely damaged. I want to refute Gen. Atanasov, who tried to sow panic yesterday - the Chaira Hydroelectric Power Plant is working and provides the necessary energy. One hydropower unit is currently working. Repairs have begun for the other two, and the fourth is hopelessly damaged," Minister Stankov revealed.
"The contract with Botash has no termination clause. The only way to terminate this contract is if 2.5 billion is paid. This is a huge amount. We will talk to our Turkish colleagues to find a solution to the problem," concluded Minister Zhecho Stankov.