site.btaInstitutions, Local Authorities Come Up with Common Solutions for Forthcoming Winter Season in Gabrovo

Due to the many problems with the heating service provided by Toplofikacia Gabrovo, the ministries of Energy, of Finance, and of Environment and Water as well as the local authorities will offer common solutions that will ensure a normal heating season, it transpired at a news conference by the corresponding ministers and Gabrovo Mayor Tanya Hristova.

Hristova said, as quoted by the Energy Ministry, that the problem is not new and is related to the dismissive attitude of the installations' operator towards users. In the last winter season, the heating service was suspended multiple times due to averages and wear of the network. There are no investments, and the systematic air pollution in the city has continued for over seven years, she explained. Hristova voiced doubt that users will be able to rely on the local heating utility this winter.

Environment Minister Julian Popov said that as an administrative measure, in March 2023  the local environment and water inspectorate closed down the coal-fired installations, but that measure is not producing the necessary results. There is no information from the investor about plans to bring the installations in conformity with the legislation. The central and local authorities are preparing short- and long-term solutions for the city's residents.

Energy Minister Rumen Radev said that the possible technical solutions are transition to natural gas and installation of thermal pumps for public buildings. Work is also being done on long-term measures through energy renovation.

The problem affects some 4,100 users, who will have to switch to an alternative heating in winter. Studies of the electricity transmission and distribution networks show that they can sustain a possible increase in consumption. Estimates show that the price difference between heating and electricity the residents of Gabrovo would pay to stay warm is between BGN 1.3 and 1.5 million.

Finance Minister Assen Vassilev said that the life and health of Bulgarian citizens are worth more than BGN 1.5 million. This is an emergency measure, and the sum will be allocated from the state budget to Gabrovo Municipality to compensate the heating utility's users in the forthcoming heating season. "I have made a commitment that in other cases of installations being closed, the Finance Ministry will provide resources for the heating season. The Ministry will support citizens in all cities where such problems arise," he added.

In addition to this short-term measure, long-term solutions are being considered that are related to the installation of thermal pumps, the use of natural gas for heating, the active use of energy efficiency programmes, and other measures, the Energy Minister said. He has ordered a check into Gabrovo's heating utility, which will be carried out jointly by the Energy Ministry and the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission.