Exports of electricity to be resumed in the early hours on Saturday
“The exports of electricity will be resumed at 01.00 hrs on Saturday night,” announced Deputy Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism, Delyan Dobrev. He explained that in order for that to happen, the thermal power plants (TPPs) in the region of the Maritsa Iztok Mines should replenish 75% of their stocks of coal. Maritsa Iztok 2 was left with the smallest quantity of coal, but thanks to the good pace of supply from the mines, the coal reserve was replenished to the necessary volume. “In this situation, it is possible to cancel the order for restricting the exports of electricity and the Electricity System Operator (ESO) will inform everyone concerned,” explained Dobrev. He added that the losses from the suspension of supplies from the coal mined are less than BGN 10 mln, but the missed benefits are much greater. The reason is that the National Electric Company (NEK) had to buy expensive electricity from other power plants in order to guarantee domestic consumption.
Nine companies have already expressed interest in consulting the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) on the separation of ESO from NEK. According to Dobrev, a contract with the consultant for nine months should be signed in March. The separation of ESO from NEK is expected to begin in September. Next month, Parliament should approve the amendments to the Energy Act, including provisions referring to the requirements of the third liberalisation package.
NEK is holding negotiations for rescheduling the loan to BNP Paribas for yet another year. The company has to pay back a credit of €250 mln drawn for the construction of the Belene NPP and its principal matures in May 2012.
Text and photo: www.klassa.bg
(27.01.2012)