Applicants for the energy regulator were asked about liberalization, bias and addictions

The hearing of the candidates for chairmen and members of the Energy and Water Regulatory Committee in the line committee continued for about three hours.

MPs must elect the regulator chairman and two members – one in the field of energy and one for the water sector.

The candidates for the chairman are two – the GERB raised by GERB Plamen Mladenovski, who still works at the EWRC, and the proposed by « We continue the change – Democratic Bulgaria » Meglena Rusenova, who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Energy Security Fund.

Meglena Rusenova and Tasko Ermenkov (BSP) were proposed for members – with the Energy Department, and Remsi Osman (MRF – Dogan) and Alexandra Theological (« There is such a people »), both with a water supply line.

The members of the Energy Commission asked questions related to the applicants' views on the forthcoming liberalization of the electricity market for domestic consumers, the quality of electricity supplies and drinking water.

There were no differences between them in that it was necessary to intensify international cooperation with European regulators and regulators from neighboring countries.

According to Meglena Rusenova, the liberalization of the electricity market in Bulgaria is too late, and an extremely negative public mood has been created in the country, for which political figures have responsibility. According to her, when the liberalization is introduced, if the preparation is normal and the government and the legislature have sufficient time to prepare, end customers and especially vulnerable will be protected and will be supported to a greater extent.

According to Mladenovski, it takes at least another year and a half to prepare the application of an adequate compensation mechanism. « Despite the widespread notion that the market is liberalized everywhere, the European Commission after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine has shifted the focus from liberalization to intervention, » he said. He suggested that the regulator focuses on ERP investments in networks digitization so that each customer and provider had access to the data at any time. This will allow household customers by changing their behavioral model to benefit from low market prices when available, he said.

Tasko Ermenkov focuses on his administrative and academic experience, with which he would be useful in the regulator, and also reminded that as a Member he participated in the establishment of legislation in the sector.

Ramsey Osman and Alexandra Theological affected the problems with the losses of drinking water, its quality and responsibilities and the powers of the municipalities in the management of water resources. Osman reminded that the liberalization of the electricity market will also reflect on the price of water. The main focus of the regulator, in his words, must be on the control of the accepted business plans of the companies and the implementation of the pledged investments.

Candidates were also responsible for their political biases

Velko Angelov

Three of the five candidates also had to answer questions about their political biases and alleged attachments.

Representatives of « MRF – New Beginning » and « There is such a people » declared Russenova as « Ivo Prokopiev's candidate » (the co -worker of Dnevnik and Capital) because she had a common business with him. She was also asked for her participation in the NMSS and Yes, Bulgaria. « In 24 hours, support for you has been received from all possible non-governmental organizations in which the ERPs are members, which are much more hated than politicians. Whether this support is not related to being more beneficial to the ERPs and the RES-producers, » the commission chairman Pavela Mitova (ITN) asked. « You are a person, you are not guilty, but those colleagues who have to say who and how convinced them to nominate you, » said Stanislav Anastasov of « MRF – New Beginning ».

Russenova replied that all partnerships with Prokopiev were terminated until 2024, and her professional biography only proves that she was able to successfully manage major investment projects. He reminded that this information is public. For his party membership, he also said that it had long been terminated. « The occupation of my life experience in an active civic and political position contributes to my integrity in order to have a clear idea of ​​the socio-political positions I occupy, » she said.

On the issue of South Stream, Ermenkov replied that he had acted in favor of national interest, as well as in many other cases, among which he listed the protection of coal plants, the financial independence of the energy regulator and the termination of natural gas transit through Ukraine to build the Balkan Stream. However, the latest project is also indicated as an untieving of the Kremlin's hands to attack Ukraine.

Asked about his belonging to the totalitarian State Security, Ermenkov replied that he was a reconnaissance officer.

He replied that he respects everyone's opinion, but does not think this question is part of the hearing.

Questions outside the professional field to Mladenovski and theological did not arise.

What's next

Today's procedure in the parliamentary committee did not imply a vote. The Commission is about to prepare a report on it, which must be presented to MPs at least seven days before the vote in the plenary.

At the very meeting dedicated to the choice, the candidates will be invited to attend, but not to speak. Following the committee's report, they will be presented by the parties broadcast and will follow the applications. The vote will be individually for chairman and for members and will be carried out in alphabetical order of the names.

The candidate who has received more than half of the votes of the attendees will be considered elected. If more than one is responsible for this condition, the most votes are ranked in favor. If no one meets this condition, a re-vote is carried out from the two with the greatest support. If even then no one raises at least 50% support, a new procedure is started.