The Bulgarian Photovoltaic Association, a NGO uniting solar energy producers, has demanded the resignations of the directors of the state-owned electricity companies over "serious problems in the management of the energy system".

In an open letter, the green energy producers from the Association has asked the heads of the Bulgarian Energy Holding, its subsidiary – the National Electric Company NEK, and the Electricity System Operator (ESO) to step down.

The Photovoltaic Association is especially enraged by statement of BEH chief Mihail Antonov who said NEK's decision on Sunday to turn off the major Bulgarian Thermal Power Plants from the national energy system has to be blamed on the overproduction of energy from solar and wind parks.

The solar energy producer further quote Ivan Yotov, CEO of ESO, as saying that the production of electricity from renewable energy sources is a threat to Bulgaria's energy system, and that ESO is mulling terminating their electricity purchase contracts.

Andonov is slammed for urging the photovoltaic parks to restrict their own production in order to held out the people.

"We deem it scandalous that high-ranking civil servants are making populist statements and manipulating the public opinion. The management of BEH and ESO must adhere to the legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria and the EC Directives which stipulate that the dispatching of solar plants is a priority," the Bulgarian Photovoltaic Association said.

The BPA is further demanding a meeting with the management of BEH, NEK, and ESO.