At the Powers Summit in Sofia, Bulgarian caretaker Minister of Energy, Vladimir Malinov, highlighted the need for energy to be treated as an economic sector rather than a tool for social policy. According to Malinov, recognizing this distinction would be a crucial step toward facilitating the liberalization of the electricity market, particularly for household consumers.
To help guide this process, he proposed the formation of an inter-agency working group tasked with overseeing the full liberalization of the electricity market. This group would comprise representatives from the Council of Ministers, the Parliamentary Energy Committee, and other relevant stakeholders. Malinov stressed that the group’s proposals should be underpinned by clear legislation to ensure predictability, long-term stability, and a clear direction for the future.
In his speech, Malinov emphasized the importance of Bulgaria presenting a clear timeline to the European Commission for completing the liberalization process, especially for residential consumers. While acknowledging the challenge of limited public awareness, he also pointed to the broader structural and policy hurdles standing in the way of progress.
Regarding energy infrastructure development, Malinov proposed the implementation of the Batak and Dospat pump-storage hydropower projects through public-private partnerships, citing the significant costs involved. He also called for political backing to help push these critical energy initiatives forward.
In April, the Parliamentary Energy Committee decided to delay the partial liberalization of Bulgaria’s residential electricity market by a year, moving the deadline from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025.
