site.btaParliament Rejects Proposed State Takeover of Electricity Distributors

On Wednesday, Parliament rejected a proposal for the State to acquire the three electricity distribution companies operating on Bulgarian territory. The draft resolution received 53 votes in favor, 116 against, and 20 abstentions.

The draft, tabled by Morality, Unity, Honour (MECh), tasks the Council of Ministers with preparing and submiting for parliamentary approval an investment expenditure plan for the acquisition by the State of Electrodistribution Grid West EAD, Electrodistribution North AD, Elektrorazpredelenie Yug [Electrodistribution South] EAD, along with the infrastructure necessary for their operation.

MECh leader Radostin Vasilev stated that for over 20 years, Bulgarian citizens have witnessed the consequences of what he described as the last piece of criminal privatization involving the electricity distribution companies (EDCs) in Bulgaria, namely, more expensive electricity, households left without power after minor snowfall, and lack of investment. 

“With this draft resolution, MECh seeks for the State to acquire the three EDCs, conduct a full audit going as far back as possible, and pursue legal claims against these companies,” he said. “It’s a massive fraud, they haven’t invested, they make hundreds of millions in profit at the expense of Bulgarian citizens, while we’re left without electricity, with lower voltage, and higher prices,” Vasilev added.

Daniel Prodanov MP of Vazrazhdane commented that Bulgaria’s energy sector problems cannot be solved with a single sentence proposed by MECh, but said his party would support the proposal in principle.

The draft resolution was supported by Vazrazhdane, MECh, Velichie, and one MP from BSP-United Left.