site.btaLaw Eases Rules on Building Solar Self-Consumption Systems

Bulgaria's Parliament on Friday voted, 110-32 with 7 abstentions, to pass on first reading amendments to the Energy from Renewable Sources Act simplifying the regime for building photovoltaic power plants for self-consumption. Those in favour were the four parliamentary groups in the ruling coalition, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and Vazrazhdane, whereas the GERB-UDF MPs either voted against or abstained. The revisions were moved by MPs of Continue the Change, BSP for Bulgaria and There Is Such a People.

The draft legislation introduces notification requirements for planned construction of power plants for self-consumption from renewable energy sources (RES), which will make it possible to speed up the process. Producers of energy from RES for self-consumption will assume the responsibility for not returning the electricity generated to the distribution network, which obviates the need of exploring connection conditions, the reasoning to the bill points out.

The Debate

Temenouzhka Petkova (GERB-UDF): The bill is lobbyist and must be withdrawn. It is not clear why the maximum capacity at which producers become eligible preferential connection is exactly 5 MW power. Obviously, corporate interests in electricity production and sale are projected in this case. The commitment by a signed declaration not to return electricity to the grid is a total sham.

Viktoria Vassileva (There Is Such a People): Some criticisms are justified indeed. The defects can be corrected before the bill comes up for a second reading.

Vladimir Tabutov (Continue the Change): The idea of the amendments is not to relax the requirements for large power plants but only for photovoltaic systems for self-consumption in urban areas. This is a very quick measure that will enable each enterprise to cut its power bills.

Stanislav Anastasov (MRF): This is the first bill addressing energy independence issues. However, it should take a form allowing households and small and medium-sized enterprises to pay less for electricity.

Iskra Mihailova (Vazrazhdane): The Vazrazhdane Parliamentary Group will back this bill, albeit with great reservations, because of the present grave economic situation in which both businesses and households have to struggle with exorbitant power bills.