Bulgarian Power Crisis Sparks Calls for Regulator resignations
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A week-long electricity crisis in Bulgaria has left thousands without power and sparked a political firestorm, culminating in calls for the resignation of the entire board of the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (KEVR).
Delyan Peevski, leader of the DPS-New Beginning party, has been particularly vocal in his criticism. In a statement, Peevski demanded the immediate resignation of KEVR members Ivan Ivanov, Alexander Yordanov, Blagoy Golubarev, Dimitar Kochkov, and penka Trendafilova. He declared,”After a week of thousands of people in distress and hundreds of settlements without electricity,the least the state regulator KEVR should do is for its members… to resign.”
Peevski’s criticism extends beyond simply demanding resignations. He also accused the KEVR of inaction and criticized a planned 9% electricity price increase scheduled for january 1, 2025. He stated, “Against the created tension, the chairman of KEVR Ivan Ivanov announced that he has no intention of backing down from the 9% increase in the price of electricity from January 1, 2025, entirely ignoring the possibility of seeking obligation of the EPPs for the created state of emergency.”
Peevski further alleges that a private electricity distribution company in western Bulgaria exhibited arrogance in its response to the crisis, attempting to shift blame to the government, local officials, and environmental groups. He contends this demonstrates “a clear sign that there is a sense of impunity, due to an umbrella provided to him by the persons responsible for controlling the work of the company.”
The crisis, according to Peevski, has caused meaningful financial losses for businesses and individuals, and posed serious health risks to vulnerable populations, including those reliant on medical equipment. He emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Driven by the conviction that every Bulgarian citizen is equal and should freely use his rights, that business should have normal conditions to develop and provide jobs, we will not allow people to be robbed by arrogant, self-forgetting oligarchs and their counterparts installed in the institutions.”
Peevski’s party has submitted a proposal to the National Assembly calling for a moratorium on electricity price increases until a new KEVR is appointed and a thorough investigation into the actions of private electricity providers is completed. The situation highlights the vulnerability of energy infrastructure and the potential for widespread disruption in the face of regulatory failures.
Bulgarian Power Crisis Sparks Calls for Regulator Resignations
thousands of Bulgarians have faced power outages over the past week, leading to a political firestorm. At the center of the controversy is the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (KEVR) and its handling of the crisis. Calls are mounting for the resignation of the KEVR board amidst accusations of inaction and a planned electricity price hike.
the Root of the Crisis
Senior Editor:
Dr. Ivanova, thank you for joining us. Can you shed some light on what triggered this electricity crisis in Bulgaria?
Dr. Maria Ivanova, Energy Policy Expert, Sofia university:
The immediate cause appears to be unexpected equipment failures at a key power plant coupled with unusually high demand. However, this highlights deeper systemic issues within Bulgaria’s energy infrastructure.
Demands for Resignation
Senior Editor:
There have been strong calls for the resignation of the KEVR board. What are the main criticisms leveled against them?
Dr. Ivanova:
There’s anger over the lack of preparedness and the perceived slow response to the crisis. Critics argue that KEVR failed to anticipate potential problems and ensure sufficient backup capacity.There’s also outrage over the planned 9% electricity price increase scheduled for january, which many see as insensitive given the current hardship.
Political Ramifications
Senior Editor:
How has this crisis impacted the political landscape in Bulgaria?
Dr. Ivanova:
It’s deepened existing divisions. Opposition parties, like Delyan Peevski’s DPS-New Beginning party, are using the crisis to attack the government’s handling of the energy sector. This could have implications for upcoming elections.
Calls for Investigation
Senior Editor:
Peevski’s party has also demanded an investigation into private electricity distribution companies. What’s the rationale behind this demand?
Dr. ivanova: There are allegations that some private companies may have exacerbated the crisis through their management practices or by attempting to shift blame onto the government. A thorough investigation is needed to determine the extent of their involvement and whether any wrongdoing occurred.
Looking Ahead: Solutions and Concerns
Senior Editor:
What steps should Bulgaria take to prevent similar crises in the future?
Dr. Ivanova:
Investment in modernizing energy infrastructure is crucial. Bulgaria needs to diversify its energy sources and increase its production capacity. Strengthening the independence and accountability of the KEVR is also essential to ensure better oversight and regulation of the sector.
There are major concerns about the impact of this crisis on vulnerable populations, businesses, and the overall economy. The government needs to act decisively to address these immediate concerns while also implementing long-term solutions to build a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
