Regulator launches huge grid access fees for completed PV projects in Bulgaria

The introduction of the fees is due to the increased difficulties that grid operators meet in balancing the output of renewable power projects, the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SWERC) said in a statement on its website on Friday.

According to calculations of the Bulgarian Wind Energy Association (BGWEA), these fees represent a 39% FiT reduction for photovoltaic (PV) projects completed by June 30, 2012; a 20% cut for PV plants installed by December 31, 2011; 5% lower FiTs for PV installations between July and August 2012; and a 1% cut for new PV projects. Smaller fees have been introduced for other renewable energy sources including a 10% cut in the FiTs for all wind projects.

According to BGWEA the regulator’s move means that "several billion levs worth of domestic and foreign investment along with hundreds of newly created jobs have been destroyed overnight."

(1 euro = 1.95583 Bulgarian levs)