site.btaCaretaker Cabinet to Allocate BGN 2 Mln to Some 20,000 Households Affected by Power Outages, PM Says

Addressing a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Monday, caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev said that, as promised, the cabinet will allocate BGN 2 million to compensate some 20,000 households affected by power outages due to the harsh winter conditions.

"What we are providing has no relation to the penalties that must be paid by the electricity distribution companies," Glavchev added.

"Moreover, Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov called on the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) to conduct a thorough review of the investment programmes and expenditures of all electricity distribution enterprises. This situation is absolutely unacceptable. [A situation] causing significant inconveniences during the holidays, and even now some households have no electricity," Glavchev said.

He also noted that he had spoken with the mayors of the municipalities of Troyan, Gabrovo, Teteven and Samokov, and Sofia’s Pancharevo District. "We have assisted wherever possible and will continue to do so. As long as we are in office, this will be our approach," Glavchev assured.

Earlier on Monday, it came to light that the parliamentary group of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms – New Beginning (MRF – New Beginning) had tabled draft resolutions to the National Assembly calling for the dismissal of the current board members of the EWRC and the appointment of new ones. This followed a call by MRF – New Beginning floor leader Delyan Peevski for the resignation of the EWRC members over the ongoing electricity crisis.