Electricity prices will go up from July 1

Electricity prices for households will rise from July 1, most likely by more than 3% as announced by the Commission for Energy and Water Regulation, caretaker Minister of energy, Andrey Zhivkov, said on June 18. He also said that an urgent solution is being sought for "Maritsa East 2" TPP.

The Minister of Energy announced that a plan is being sought for how to add electricity from "Maritsa East 2" TPP to the market for household clients, without making it more expensive.

As regards "Maritsa East 2" TPP and Maritsa East Mines, as well as all companies, we will require a serious review of costs and the way the companies themselves are managed, he said.

The caretaker Minister of Energy has set a task for the heads of state-owned energy companies to reduce their costs by between 10 and 30%, and some of the companies by more due to the poor financial situation. The minister also expressed outrage over the sponsorship of a football team, for example.

According to him, TPP “Maritza East 2” annually allocates between BGN 5-6 million for the maintenance of “Beroe” football team.

"I see no good reason to finance a team, provided that the company is at a loss of millions," said Andrei Zhivkov.

The ministry has prepared a plan according to which by 2030, in two steps, Maritsa complex will switch from coal to generation of energy from renewable energy sources. In the meantime, the power plants are expected to run on gas. The projects will be financed through EU funds and the recovery and development plan, if approved.

The minister also announced that the construction of the gas connection with Greece is very liked to be delayed and if the construction company does not manage by the end of December, it will owe penalties of BGN 90,000 per day.