The Government adopted amendments to Decree No. 237, which regulates a programme for compensating energy-intensive consumers for high electricity prices, Energy Minister Iva Petrova told a briefing at the Council of Ministers on June 10.
Petrova said the measure would make the compensation programme fully operational and support competitiveness and investment in the economy.
Under the scheme, which complies with the European framework, support is based on the 3x50 principle – compensation covers up to 50% of electricity costs for 50% of consumption in eligible sectors, while beneficiaries must invest at least half of the support received in decarbonization, energy efficiency or measures supporting the energy system.
Petrova said the programme would have no impact on the state budget. Funding will be provided through the Electricity System Security Fund (ESSF) using existing financing mechanisms. Compensation will be paid monthly through electricity suppliers in the form of reductions to the amounts due under electricity bills.
The compensation programme covers a three-year period starting on July 1, 2025, with total funding of EUR 334 million. Compensation for the first year amounts to EUR 124 million. Energy-intensive companies operating in sectors exposed to a significant risk of losing competitiveness because of continued electricity price volatility will be eligible for support. The programme stipulates that compensated electricity prices must not fall below EUR 63.9 per MWh, while eligible investments must become operational within 48 months of the aid being granted.