After the fall of the moratorium on the prices of electricity, heating and water, the analyzes of the energy regulator show that until July 1 there will be no need to increase the price of electricity for household subscribers.

This was stated in "Speak Now" on BNT by the chairman of the EWRC Stanislav Todorov.

After the first half of the year the prices will change and it is not clear how much.

However, Todorov was adamant that there would be no shock price increase.

"Bulgaria is good because it is in a unique position and produces almost no electricity from gas. In Europe, electricity has risen by about 50% on average for household consumers, only in Bulgaria and Hungary this is not the case. We have regulatory levers and I am optimistic about what will happen to prices in July 2022. We will certainly not see what happens to gas now. "

- said the Chairman of the EWRC.

Stanislav Todorov added that he is optimistic that Bulgaria will go through the energy crisis as a whole unaffected, but for this to happen major changes are needed.

Most importantly, giving businesses the opportunity to buy electricity through long-term contracts, similar to gas supply contracts.

Todorov reminded that the government has already requested such a change, and if a decision is made, the EWRC is ready to make the necessary changes in the regulations within two weeks.

The price of gas

The EWRC chairman explained the sharp rise in gas prices with the war and the fact that the main participant in the conflict supplies about 75% of gas to Bulgaria.

Gas prices rose by more than 25% in April, EWRC decided.

Peskov: Russia will want payments in rubles not only for gas

Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to pay for natural gas in rubles, and the fact that Germany and Austria have announced a "first tier" of their emergency plans to cut off gas supplies, have hit markets just before the EWRC approved gas prices for April .

Thus, the price has risen, Todorov said.

According to him, however, this is a temporary phenomenon and if there is no new escalation of the situation, prices will calm down.

"Europe has not experienced such a crisis, both in energy and security, in the last 50 years. We receive about 30% of our gas from Azerbaijan. What we can do is complete the construction of the gas connection with Greece, which has capacity to absorb all consumption. "

- said Stanislav Todorov.

With the suspension of supplies from Russia now, household subscribers would not feel the difference, as the heating season is over, he added.

However, a possible suspension of supplies would affect non-domestic gas consumers.

In that case, they will be able to rely on a certain amount of Azeri gas per day and on stocks in the Chiren storage facility.

"The regulator can make sure that the substitution of supplies from other sources is done. There will be disruptions, but it is a fact that Bulgaria has already done what is necessary to have diversification."

said Todorov.

He expressed confidence that the Greek connection will be ready by July 1, and our country will be able to receive the entire amount of blue fuel needed for consumption in our country through the new pipeline.

The price of heating

The price of heating for the new heating season will become clear on July 1.

Stanislav Todorov explained that in different cities the possible change in the price will be different depending on the local district heating and whether they use gas.

Regarding Toplofikacia Sofia, Todorov pointed out that, unlike all other district heating companies, it is at a loss, regardless of the price of gas.

According to him, this is due to poor governance and political interference.

The new head of the EWRC with a comment on gas and electricity prices after the moratorium

"In Sofia and Plovdiv, heating is at the same price, but Plovdiv district heating is not at a loss and has no obligations, unlike" District heating - Sofia "- he said.

According to him, there are two options for improving the company's management - the appointment of independent directors or privatization.

The price of water

This year the EWRC will approve new water prices depending on the business plans submitted by the respective water companies.

In "Speak Now" Todorov refused to commit to specific values, but said that the biggest challenge for companies is the rise in electricity prices.

Green energy

According to Stanislav Todorov, the best way for each of us to participate in the transition to green energy is to encourage the installation of solar panels among households.

The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission has taken action to remove administrative barriers to this.

"In the coming months, EWRC will enable every household to participate in the transition to green energy by installing a solar panel on the roof. Currently, this requires many opinions and permits, and everyone who wants to make energy for their own needs to be able to do it without obstacles. "

said Todorov.

He estimated that currently the installation of a solar roof, covering the average household consumption, costs between BGN 10,000 and BGN 20,000. This investment covers consumption for 10-20 years, after which energy becomes free.

The Recovery and Development Plan has the opportunity to cover 70% of these costs.

"I am sure that once we remove the administrative barriers and people, seeing that their neighbor is doing it, they will benefit. EWRC can unite the efforts of all institutions, because we are aware of people's problems as a result of complaints coming. We have submitted an opinion and a legislative decision is forthcoming in less than a month. "

Todorov added.

KEVR

price of electricity

price of heating

Stanislav Todorov