118 M. HAJDINJAK AND D. ASENoVA
inactive, believing that energy saving can only be achieved after a large
initial investment (e.g. purchasing energy efficient appliances, retrofitting
of homes), which is often unaffordable. A typical Bulgarian household
can therefore save energy only through the application of measures that
can be performed with little or no cost. In addition, the artificially low
electricity prices are a negative incentive for changing the behaviour even
in households with moderate to high incomes.
one of the ways the government is addressing energy poverty is by
subsidising the prices of electricity. This measure, however, exacerbates
a bad situation for the state-owned energy holding company (Bulgarian
Energy Holding [BEH]), which is at a permanent financial loss. It also
sends negative signals to foreign investors, who perceive their potential
involvement in the Bulgarian energy system as risky and unattractive
(Boonstra et al. 2015).
The 2013 protests over the rise of energy prices that ended with
the resignation of the government and early elections are a constant
reminder to the authorities that a transition from regulated, centralised, supply-based energy system, towards liberalised, decentralised,
and prosumer-focused energy can lead to social instability if not handled properly (Vladimirov et al. 2018).
energy poLiCy in buLgaria
According to the last version of the Bulgaria’s Energy Strategy, the
main efforts for developing the energy sector are directed towards
energy efficiency, energy self-sufficient buildings, electric vehicles,
renewable energy, and building of smart grids (MEET 2011). In order
to comply with the EU Directive 2012/27/EU that aims to establish a common framework to promote energy efficiency within the
EU, Bulgaria has developed the National Energy Efficiency Action
Plan 2014–2020 (Ministry of Energy 2017). The NEEAP defined the
long-term strategy, main actors, objectives, and measures for four main
energy consuming sectors. In the residential sector (with a strong focus
on multifamily buildings), minimum energy performance standards
have been defined, and necessary economic incentives and financing
instruments established. For example, regarding domestic appliances,
eco-design requirements and energy labelling were introduced (Energy
Efficiency Watch 2013).
inactive, believing that energy saving can only be achieved after a large
initial investment (e.g. purchasing energy efficient appliances, retrofitting
of homes), which is often unaffordable. A typical Bulgarian household
can therefore save energy only through the application of measures that
can be performed with little or no cost. In addition, the artificially low
electricity prices are a negative incentive for changing the behaviour even
in households with moderate to high incomes.
one of the ways the government is addressing energy poverty is by
subsidising the prices of electricity. This measure, however, exacerbates
a bad situation for the state-owned energy holding company (Bulgarian
Energy Holding [BEH]), which is at a permanent financial loss. It also
sends negative signals to foreign investors, who perceive their potential
involvement in the Bulgarian energy system as risky and unattractive
(Boonstra et al. 2015).
The 2013 protests over the rise of energy prices that ended with
the resignation of the government and early elections are a constant
reminder to the authorities that a transition from regulated, centralised, supply-based energy system, towards liberalised, decentralised,
and prosumer-focused energy can lead to social instability if not handled properly (Vladimirov et al. 2018).
energy poLiCy in buLgaria
According to the last version of the Bulgaria’s Energy Strategy, the
main efforts for developing the energy sector are directed towards
energy efficiency, energy self-sufficient buildings, electric vehicles,
renewable energy, and building of smart grids (MEET 2011). In order
to comply with the EU Directive 2012/27/EU that aims to establish a common framework to promote energy efficiency within the
EU, Bulgaria has developed the National Energy Efficiency Action
Plan 2014–2020 (Ministry of Energy 2017). The NEEAP defined the
long-term strategy, main actors, objectives, and measures for four main
energy consuming sectors. In the residential sector (with a strong focus
on multifamily buildings), minimum energy performance standards
have been defined, and necessary economic incentives and financing
instruments established. For example, regarding domestic appliances,
eco-design requirements and energy labelling were introduced (Energy
Efficiency Watch 2013).