The checks conducted in the energy sector should not be limited to the power distribution companies, but should also include the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission, the Bulgarian Energy Holding and the National Electric Company. This is what President Rosen Plevneliev said in his statement on the mass protests held throughout the country in recent days over the high prices of electricity. The findings of the probes should be promptly announced, and “the inefficient costs and corruption, where there are such, should be brought to light and eliminated”, the head of state pointed out. Personnel changes are only part of the solution of the problems and their roots run deeper and are related to the sense of injustice, the low incomes and the high unemployment, the president emphasized.
The energy sector has faced “serious structure-related problems” accumulated over the past 23 years - the sector is not working efficiently and oversight is insufficient, the head of state commented. Rosen Plevneliev further stated that he expects that that the relevant authorities will “promptly take on the specific commitment to implement effective short and long-term measures”. The president was adamant that “the people must know what they are paying for and why and enjoy the freedom to choose their electricity supplier, while energy prices should be competitive, not monopoly ones.” He recalled that our country was bound to introduce the long due European rules for the liberalization of the energy market.
The head of state called for urgent legislative measures which will set up a “strong, efficient, non-partisan and independent energy regulator” and for amendments to the Public Procurement Act in order to adjust the loopholes and thus eliminate the chances for offences.
The President was adamant that “the nationalization of the energy utilities is not a solution” and called on the political forces “to leave the slogans aside and propose specific solutions on how bills to be reduced and transparency and efficiency improved in the energy sector”. The president expects that the National Assembly will hold a debate on this issue. “I side with the people and guarantee that their voice will be heard and that the competent authorities will function adequately and do their job,” President Rosen Plevneliev further said in his statement.