/ world today news/ A decision (Decision No. C-33 of 14.09.2012) of the State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (DKEVR) stirred up spirits, but somehow for now it remains tucked under the quilt and unclear to the general public.
What is it about?
On 13.09.2012 With Applications from “Energy System Operator” EAD, “EVN Bulgaria – Elektrorazpradelenie” AD, “ENERGO PRO MREŽI” AD and “CHEZ Razpradelenie Bulgaria” AD, the commission is requested to determine prices for access to the transmission and distribution networks for electricity producers from renewable sources using preferential prices.
We are talking, of course, about the operators of the distribution networks, which are generally foreign companies and repatriate their profits, and about the operator of the transmission network.
The expediency of the “independent” state regulator, which in less than 24 hours, the very next day, issued the above decision to determine the temporary prices for access to the transmission and distribution networks. Obviously, the company around Mr. Angel Semerdzhiev has been properly stimulated to demonstrate such commendable efficiency.
In their haste, they forgot to write in the decision that it is subject to judicial review! But that’s what the Constitution is for (art. 120, para. 2): “Citizens and legal entities may appeal against all administrative acts that affect them, except those expressly specified by law”.
They failed to conduct a procedure for public discussion with the interested parties, which is not a whim of the latter, but an imperative requirement, according to Art. 14 of the Energy Act (EE).
They failed to hold an open meeting where they could possibly discuss the objections of the interested parties, which is also a requirement of the law.
The DKEVR is clearly not bothered by its own too lean argumentation in the decision itself, that the applicants (understand the above-mentioned and beloved operators of the entire Bulgarian people) I quote: “they have not attached specific data on the basis of which they make their demands”.
But nothing is able to break the determination of this authoritative body to work expeditiously and extraordinarily for a solution, regardless of the complete absence of financial and legal argumentation!
Obviously, the decision is discriminatory because it determines unequal access for producers in view of the moment of their connection to the distribution and transmission networks.
The absence of objective criteria is obvious, but at the expense of this, the presence of non-transparent pricing elements.
Cross-subsidization of energy operators is obviously allowed, which is a flagrant violation of the law and Directive 2009/72/EC of 13.07.2009. Distribution companies will receive unreasonably high access fees and generate huge profits! But it has probably been judged that now is the time to implement unregulated state aid through an administrative resource to the distribution and transmission companies that are dear to all Bulgarian citizenswhose dispatch costs had risen significantly! Exactly how significantly? No one sees fit to justify.
However, this is only one side of the problem! It obviously refers to the “contractors” of the decision, our dear electricity distribution companies!
But the question has another, no less important side!
Who needs the Law on Energy from Renewable Sources (ZEVI) and the goals formulated in it to promote the production and consumption of energy produced from renewable sources, as well as to create conditions for increasing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises?
With the decision adopted by the commission, for an indefinite period, the income of all wind energy parks is reduced by 10%, of photovoltaics – by 20%, and of photovoltaics that started working in this wrong year of 2012. – by about 40%!
How many of the small and medium-sized enterprises that dare to make such investments will be able to service their loans with a loss of income of 10 to 40%?
How many newly created jobs are threatened with closure?
These are just some of the questions that arise after the decision of the State Environmental Protection Agency, to which public and professional trust has been critically depleted for a long time.
#DKEVR #deliberately #bankrupted #hundreds #small #mediumsized #enterprises
**What specific policy changes or regulatory adjustments could be implemented to mitigate the negative consequences of the DKEVR decision on renewable energy producers while ensuring a fair and transparent energy market?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Unpacking the DKEVR Decision and its Impact
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re tackling a controversial decision by the State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (DKEVR) and its potential impact on renewable energy producers and the Bulgarian economy. We’re joined by two esteemed guests with diverse perspectives on this issue:
* **Dr. Maria Ivanova**, an energy economist specializing in renewable energy policy.
* **Mr. Stefan Petrov**, Chairman of the Bulgarian Association of Renewable Energy Producers.
**Section 1: The Decision and Due Process**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Ivanova, let’s start with the decision itself. It appears to have been implemented with remarkable speed, but some argue that proper procedures were sidestepped. What are your thoughts on the DKEVR’s approach?
**Dr. Ivanova:**
**Interviewer:** Mr. Petrov, from your perspective as a representative of renewable energy producers, how has this decision been received within the industry? Are there concerns regarding transparency and stakeholder engagement?
**Mr. Petrov:**
**Section 2: The Economic Impact**
**Interviewer:** The article suggests that this decision could significantly impact the profitability of renewable energy producers, potentially leading to job losses and financial strain. Dr. Ivanova, can you elaborate on the expected economic consequences of this decision on renewable energy businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises?
**Dr. Ivanova:**
**Interviewer:** Mr. Petrov, how is this decision affecting your members? Are there any specific examples of companies struggling to cope with these new pricing structures? What are the potential long-term implications for the renewable energy industry in Bulgaria?
**Mr. Petrov:**
**Section 3: The Bigger Picture**
**Interviewer:** This decision has sparked concerns about its alignment with Bulgaria’s commitment to promote renewable energy and achieve its energy goals. Dr. Ivanova, how do you see this decision fitting into the larger European context of transitioning to a more sustainable energy future?
**Dr. Ivanova:**
**Interviewer:** Mr. Petrov, what message does this decision send to investors considering renewable energy projects in Bulgaria? Do you believe it will hinder the growth of the sector and Bulgaria’s ability to meet its renewable energy targets?
**Mr. Petrov:**
**Section 4: Moving Forward**
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what steps can be taken to rectify the situation and ensure a more sustainable and transparent framework for renewable energy development in Bulgaria?
**Dr. Ivanova:**
**Mr. Petrov:**
**Interviewer:** Thank you to both Dr. Ivanova and Mr. Petrov for sharing their valuable insights on this critical issue. This is a complex topic with far-reaching consequences, and continued discussion and action are essential to ensure a just and sustainable energy future for Bulgaria.
