site.btaHousehold Electricity Consumption Higher than Predicted, Says Energy Minister Malinov

There was a higher household electricity consumption than was predicted in the price decision of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) for the regulatory period from July 1 this year, caretaker Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov said on Bulgarian National Television (BNT) on Sunday. He explained that this higher consumption should be covered, which is one of the reasons for the proposed increase in electricity prices next year, indicated in a report by the EWRC.

Bulgarian households will continue to pay a price that will be many times lower than the one on the free market, the Minister said, stressing that there will be no power rationing. He also said that the residents of Sofia have no reason to worry, as Bulgargaz will not stop the supply of natural gas to heat utility Toplofikatsiya Sofia. Malinov added, however, that measures must be taken to rehabilitate the company.

The entire state energy sector is working to ensure market security, the Minister also said.

There will be no shock price increase after the introduction of the free market for households, Malinov pointed out. Full liberalization should come into effect from January 1, 2026, and before that there will be a six-month transition period so that consumers can more easily adapt, he added

The Ministry of Energy did not support a tax on underground resources, the Minister noted. "We believe that this will have a negative impact on investments in this sector," he argued. The subsequent change in the proposal in the State Budget Act was supported by the majority of organizations on various types of natural resources, the Minister added. He noted that undoubtedly, the revenue in the budget will be smaller, but makes for a more the balanced proposal.

BTA recalls that on Friday the caretaker government submitted to Parliament the draft 2025 State Budget, as well as the draft Public Social Insurance budget and draft National Health Insurance Fund budget.