Andrey Zhivkov: To a large extent the jump in electricity prices is due to the uncertainty of what the winter will be like

To a large extent, the jump in prices is due to the uncertainty of what the winter will be like. This was stated by the Minister of Energy Andrey Zhivkov in an interview for Nova TV.

The factors that determine prices are different. These are the price of gas, the factors around carbon prices. The forecast of what kind of winter awaits us is also very important. The jump in prices is largely due to the uncertainty of what the winter will be like, he said.

Zhivkov clarified that it should be borne in mind that "stock market prices largely reflect the anxiety and fear of customers."

"Winter will be as it is, even without our requests. But the warm winter is one of the factors that could contribute to easing prices, "the minister added. Earlier, he categorically stated in response to a question about a 20-30% jump predicted by the regulator, that the market is volatile and the conditions as of the date on which such a decision should be made may be calmer. "We can't predict percentages," he said. According to him, if, after all, "there are prerequisites for a serious price increase, the state will use all the reserves it has to make sure that the increase is not so great."

The caretaker Minister of Energy responded succinctly and with regard to a possible jump in the price of heating. "In the last few days, the price of gas has jumped so much, no analyst expected it. This is not sustainable and the price will certainly not stay at that level for long. "

According to him, however, the risk of a jump in terms of water prices is higher, although there is a way to mitigate the effect.

"With the companies that supply water, the problem is really serious. When the EWRC determined the prices of domestic water, the levels of electricity prices were different. The water companies have concluded contracts at lower prices. Water and Sewerage Holding is about to create its own electricity trader, which will trade on the stock exchange and will be able to supply electricity at far more reasonable prices.

If the necessary measures are taken in the holding company, I believe that the effect can be mitigated. Even if there is an increase, which I doubt, it will be small, "said Zhivkov and in response to a question expressed the expectation that there will be no jump to 80% of the price of water in relation to companies that use electricity for water pumping.

He also expressed expectation that the long-term forecasts for price easing towards the end of winter and the beginning of spring will come true.

The Minister of Energy also commented on the decision to change the methodology of the price of electricity from TED as one of the steps to support small business. If during these 3 months provided by the normative change the remaining 286 thousand small companies of DPI do not find a supplier of electricity, this term can be extended in the most extreme case, but not more than 1 month, it became clear from his words.

As for the financial support of the large industry, he reminded that due to the lack of a parliament, the caretaker government has "limited room for maneuver".

Zhivkov was adamant about the calls for stopping exports, that our country is not "in a hypothesis of shortage of electricity" and therefore stopping exports will be meaningless.

The Minister also explained that the possible dates for the closure of the coal power plants in our country are three. We will present as indicative three dates (for the power plants in the Maritsa East complex) - 2035, 2038 and 2040 with developed scenarios and ways, with steps for a smooth transition of the complex, he said, expressing personally preferences to the last date (2040) in terms of the social significance of the complex, but also recalling the current importance of power plants in the current period of high electricity prices.