As energy poverty continues to grip Bulgaria, an alarming one in four Bulgarians are unable to afford adequate heating during the winter months, according to energy expert Ivan Hinovski.
Speaking on NOVA NEWS, Hinovski warned that the situation is deteriorating, with many households experiencing what is known as “hidden energy poverty” — characterized by the use of insufficient energy to meet basic needs.
Hinovski criticized the lack of proper management and compensatory mechanisms to combat the growing issue.
He pointed out that while efforts have been made to provide aid, the absence of a dedicated state institution to register and support energy-poor households leaves many without access to crucial resources.
The involvement of local municipalities is also minimal, he noted, which further hampers the country’s ability to address the crisis effectively.
“Without proper management, the substantial funds available through the European Commission’s special climate fund may remain untapped,” Hinovski explained.
He highlighted that these funds, which could significantly alleviate the burden of energy costs for the most vulnerable, are not being utilized due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Hidden Energy Poverty on the Rise
Hinovski’s comments come amid rising concerns about the prevalence of hidden energy poverty across Bulgaria.
Unlike those who openly cannot afford their energy bills, households suffering from hidden energy poverty are often forced to cut back on energy consumption to the point where it is detrimental to their well-being.
For many, this means living in poorly heated homes during the cold winter months, which can lead to serious health issues.
The expert emphasized that this growing problem is compounded by the lack of categorization for energy-poor households in existing aid programs.
While various forms of financial assistance are available, Hinovski argued that these measures do not sufficiently target those who are most in need. He warned that with the planned liberalization of electricity prices in 2026, the situation is likely to worsen.
Concerns Over Electricity Liberalization
In 2026, Bulgaria is expected to fully liberalize its electricity market, a move that will eliminate protected consumer prices and allow market forces to dictate costs.
Hinovski expressed concern that the country’s energy system is ill-prepared for this transition, warning that prices could rise significantly as a result.
“Bulgaria’s energy system is unprepared for the upcoming changes, and consumers will face higher prices with no safeguards in place,” Hinovski said.
He urged the government to take immediate action to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not left without support as energy costs rise.
Currently, Bulgarians are already paying higher energy prices compared to neighboring countries like Greece, Romania, and even, according to Hinovski.
This disparity further underscores the need for more robust measures to protect households from the impending financial strain.
Nuclear Energy as a Solution?
Looking ahead, Hinovski suggested that nuclear energy could be a viable long-term solution to Bulgaria’s energy challenges.
He described nuclear power as a sustainable and cost-effective option, noting that it would reduce dependence on volatile energy markets and offer more affordable prices for consumers.
However, he acknowledged that transitioning to nuclear energy would require significant investment and long-term planning, neither of which are currently prioritized by the government.
As Bulgaria faces an increasingly uncertain energy future, Hinovski’s warnings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and stronger support systems to ensure that no household is left in the cold.
With winter approaching and energy poverty on the rise, many Bulgarians may soon face even greater challenges in keeping their homes warm.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members