The new member of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) Tasko Ermenkov stated on BNT that no shock and drastic increase in the price of hot water and heating will be allowed, quoted by news.bg. He emphasized that the regulator's main goal is to find a balance between consumption and production that will guarantee both energy security and fair prices for consumers.
"I continue to work for the interests of the state and its energy security. My main task is to find that balance between consumption and production that will guarantee that on the one hand consumers will receive fair prices and sources of energy, and on the other hand we will not engage in policies that will lead to failures in production and transmission", Ermenkov stated.
By June, the EWRC is expected to rule on the requests for heating and hot water prices made by the district heating companies. Ermenkov was categorical that the commission will make a decision that corresponds to the real situation and will not allow abuse of a dominant position by the suppliers.
"We will not allow them to make unjustified price increases and we will take into account the social status of consumers", he assured.
Particular attention will be paid to the investment intentions of the companies. According to Ermenkov, it should be clearly seen whether the previous price increases have led to real investments where they were really needed.
With regard to electricity, Ermenkov stressed that all measures will be taken and all circumstances related to requests for a price increase will be considered. He expressed doubt about the logic of such requests given that serious problems with electricity supply were reported in many settlements during the winter.
"There is no great logic in asking for an increase in electricity prices, given that you failed as a supplier in the winter and left the population without electricity for several days", Ermenkov stressed.
He added that the renewed composition of the commission will work proactively and with a clear focus on the public interest. "We will also use our experience in the legislative branch to make proposals that guarantee balance and fair prices", Ermenkov added.