The Energy Management Institute organized a roundtable on "Electricity Networks and Network Services: Challenges to Energy Transition and Market Liberalization" on Tuesday. Following is a takeaway from management officials of the three electricity distribution companies operating in Bulgaria: Energo-Pro (Northeastern Bulgaria), Electrohold (Western Bulgaria) and EVN (Southeastern Bulgaria).
Anjela Toneva, CEO and Management Board member of Energo-Pro: Having financially stable electricity distribution companies is extremely important. More than 100 power pylons were broken by the recent stormy winds in the North-East. A underfinanced company would not have been able to deal with this emergency. Electricity distribution companies need sufficient financing for network development.
Karel Kral, CEO of Electrohold Bulgaria Group: Network development is key to energy transition. A survey has found that energy consumption will increase, which will require an increase in network capacity. Funding can come either from consumers through end prices or from EU funds. Bulgaria has the cheapest network services in the entire EU, which is an obstacle to network development.
Kalina Trifonova, Deputy Chairperson of the Management Board of EVN Bulgaria (Southeastern Bulgaria): Investment in the networks is crucial because they are the backbone of the green transition. Regarding legislation, we have recently witnessed the rapid adoption of legislative amendments. Once approved by the Energy Committee, provisions are changed again during the vote in plenary. We do not know what the law will be like until it is promulgated in the State Gazette. Legislative changes should be more transparent and a level playing field is needed for those involved in the process.
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