"There will be liberalization of electricity from July 1st with a six-month grace period. The problem is that there are many energy poor people in Bulgaria. They need to be supported. With a 20% increase in electricity, it is not scary for most people, but it will be difficult for pensioners and they need to be supported". This was said by Yavor Kuyumdzhiev, former Deputy Minister of Energy on the show "The Day Live".
He explained that prices will be predictable because long-term contracts will be concluded with a fixed price per megawatt, and traders will make the appropriate calculations. He shared his observations abroad that when the liberalized market is launched, at first there is enthusiasm and many traders, but after 4-5 years 5-6 traders remain. He emphasized that we are the last country in the EU with a controlled electricity market.
"We need a clear definition of "energy poor". Minister Stankov says that from January 1 he will help everyone, which is crazy", said Kuyumdzhiev.
Regarding the construction of new capacities, the energy expert is skeptical that we will have new nuclear reactors in the next 20 years, highlighting the slow licensing process. "If we had built "Belene", we would not be having this conversation," said Yavor Kuyumdzhiev.