site.bta8,100 Homes in 100-Plus Settlements Countrywide Still without Electricity - Energy Minister

Speaking to the media in Gabrovo on Saturday, caretaker Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov said that some 8,100 households in more than 100 settlements across the country are still without electricity following the recent heavy snowfall. Earlier in the day, Malinov met with local authorities in Troyan and Gabrovo (Central Bulgaria) - two of the hardest-hit areas - to assess the situation and discuss responses.

Malinov said that following discussions with the leadership of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, a meeting will be held at the Energy Ministry on January 9. The meeting aims to outline long-term measures to prevent similar emergencies in the future.

Overview of the power supply situation across the country:

Gabrovo 

Nearly 30 settlements remain without power. Mayor Tanya Hristova said that the situation is "very fast-moving," adding that it is the first time in 10-15 years that so many areas have been left without electricity. Earlier in the day, frustrated by frequent power outages, local residents took to the streets to demand a stable and reliable electricity supply.

Troyan
Almost all settlements in Troyan have had their power restored, but some individual households and streets are still without electricity, Mayor Donka Mihaylova told BTA. High-voltage electricity has been restored across all settlements. Earlier that day, residents of Troyan also gathered to voice their frustration over the ongoing power outages.

Elena
Between 30 and 40 settlements in Elena Municipality (Central Bulgaria) continue to face power supply issues, Mayor Dilyan Mlazev told BTA. While no villages have been completely isolated, and the roads are passable in winter conditions, some areas are experiencing water shortages due to power outages affecting the pumping stations.

Lovech
The Mayor of Lovech (North Central Bulgaria), Stratsimir Petkov, said that five villages are entirely without power and water, while about 80% of the remaining villages are experiencing partial disruptions. Residents expressed their dissatisfaction after enduring power and water shortages for four consecutive days.

Smolyan
Deputy Regional Governor Adrian Petrov said that the power supply has been fully restored across all settlements in Smolyan Region (South Central Bulgaria). Recent issues were attributed to snow-covered trees falling on power lines, causing electrical disruptions.