Electricity consumption increased last year. Energy bills for households to grow

The final consumption of electric energy during last year was 54840.4 million KWh, by 4.2 percent higher compared to 2015; public lighting decreased by 1.1 percent, while population consumption increased by 0.3 percent, National Institute of Statistics (INS) data reveal. At the same time, the exports of electric energy amounted to 8587.3 million KWh decreasing by 1916.4 million KWh.

In 2016, both the primary energy resources and those of electricity increased by 0.8 percent and by 0.4 percent, respectively, compared to 2015. The main primary energy resources in 2016 amounted to 33162.0 thousand tonnes oil equivalent (toe), increasing by 253.5 thousand toe compared to 2015.

Domestic production amounted to 20479.7 thousand toe, decreasing by 1582.4 thousand toe compared to the previous year; while imports amounted to12682.3 thousand toe.

In 2016, electric energy resources amounted to 69691.8 million KWh, increasing by 257.5 million KWh compared to 2015.

The thermal power stations production amounted to 26567.7 million KWh decreasing by 1671.0 million KWh (-5.9 percent).

The hydroelectric power stations production was 19698.1 million KWh increasing by 3011.6 million KWh (+18 percent), while the one of nuclear power stations was 11285.9 million KWh decreasing by 353.9 million KWh (-3 percent).

The production of wind power stations in 2016 was 6725.2 million KWh, decreasing by 380.8 million KWh compared to 2015, while photovoltaic solar energy produced during this period was 1844.7 million KWh, decreasing by 142.8 million KWh compared to 2015.

The own technological consumption in networks and stations amounted to 6264.1million KWh decreasing by 40.2 million KWh.

In this context, Ministry of Energy announced that energy bills for households will increase by 30 bani per month with the reform which will be held this year in renewable energy, about the prospects for 2017’s green energy sector.

This measure is designed to bring a balance between effort borne by the final consumer and support to producers of energy from renewable sources, the source said.

According to current legislation, a certain mandatory quota of electricity produced from renewable energy sources benefit from the promotion system through green certificates. Mandatory quota for 2017 is 8.3 percent.