Tasko Ermenkov: EWRC will seriously consider the investment intentions of companies in the energy sector

My main duty is to protect Bulgaria and its national security. I continue to work for the interests of the state and for its energy security. This was stated to BNT by the newly elected member of EWRC Tasko Ermenkov.

The main task of EWRC is to find the balance between consumption and production, which will ensure that consumers will receive fair prices for energy and energy sources. "On the other hand, we will not engage in policies that will lead to failures in the production and transmission of energy," said Ermenkov.

He assured that EWRC will not allow abuse of the dominant position of district heating companies. "We will not allow them to make unjustified price increases and we will also take into account the social status of consumers. This increase is a matter of calculations, but it will not be much different from the years before," said Tasko Ermenkov.

EWRC will pay more serious attention to the implementation of the companies' investment intentions. "To see whether previous price increases have led to the making of those investments that should have been made. Investments should not only be spent money, but should be spent where it will be of the greatest benefit to consumers, for the quality of service and reducing losses," the expert added.

"I continue to work for the interests of the state and its energy security. My main task is to find that balance between consumption and production that will ensure that, on the one hand, consumers will receive fair prices and sources of energy, and on the other hand, we will not engage in policies that will lead to failures in production and transmission," said Ermenkov.

In June, the EWRC will rule on the requests for heating and hot water prices made by district heating companies. Determining the new prices will also be an important moment for the new members of the energy regulator, as well as Chairman Plamen Mladenovski.

Ermenkov was categorical that the commission will make a decision that corresponds to the real situation and will not allow abuse of a dominant position by suppliers.

"We will not allow them to make unjustified price increases and we will take into account the social status of consumers," he assured.

Regarding electricity, Ermenkov stressed that all measures will be taken and all circumstances related to requests for a price increase will be considered. He expressed doubt about the logic of such requests, given that serious problems with electricity supply were reported in many settlements during the winter.

"There is no great logic in asking for an increase in electricity prices, given that you failed as a supplier in the winter and left the population without electricity for several days," Ermenkov emphasized to the television. Changes in electricity prices and market liberalization are expected to be discussed in June as well.

Ermenkov added that the renewed composition of the commission will work proactively and with a clear focus on the public interest. "We will also use our experience in the legislative branch to make proposals that guarantee balance and fair prices," said the EWRC member.