Renewable energy producers will hold an urgent meeting Monday with representatives of the National Electric Company (NEK), the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) and the Electricity System Operator (ESO), to discuss the extraordinary suspension of thermal power plant units.

Green energy producers insist that the suspension was not triggered by the increased output of photovoltaic installations and wind farms but by the reduced overall consumption in the country and the decrease in electricity exports, according to reports of the Bulgarian National Television (BNT).

Renewable energy producers also oppose plans for a forced suspension of photovoltaic plants, saying that BEH and ESO must observe Bulgarian laws and EU Directives defining the production of energy from renewable energy sources as a priority.

On March 3, ESO ordered the suspension of units 3, 4, and 5 of the Maritsa Iztok 2 Thermal Power Plant, unit 2 of the Maritsa Iztok 1 Thermal Power Plant, and two of the four units of the Maritsa Iztok 3 Thermal Power Plant.

The shutdown was driven by the extremely low electricity export rate for the past few days and the simultaneous decrease in domestic consumption.

ESO explained the step as an attempt to guarantee the energy balance and the safety of the power grid.

The managing body of ESO vowed to restart suspended capacities as soon as electricity consumption went up and export rates returned to normal.

ESO also made clear that the temporary suspension would not affect electricity prices.

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