In brief
During a presentation of a World Bank Group assessment in Sofia, Energy Minister Iva Petrova revealed that 28 % of Bulgaria’s population, or over 1.8 million people, face energy poverty. She called for a long‑term programme with interim targets for 2030 and a 2050 goal to eliminate the problem, while balancing energy security, competitiveness, and affordability. The minister highlighted recent legislative steps and outlined the government’s 2030 commitments to support vulnerable consumers.
During a World Bank Group assessment briefing held at the Grand Hotel in Sofia on 18 September 2026, Energy Minister Iva Petrova announced that more than 1.8 million people—about 28 % of Bulgaria’s population—are living in energy poverty. The figure was presented as part of the assessment titled “Green and Inclusive Futures: Creating Opportunities in the Green Transition,” prepared jointly with the Ministries of Labour and Social Policy and Energy.
Petrova stressed that energy poverty is a pressing concern for the country’s quality of life, economic activity, and sustainable development. She described the challenge as reconciling three key priorities: ensuring the security of energy supply, maintaining the competitiveness of the sector, and keeping consumer prices affordable. She urged a balanced approach that takes into account households’ financial circumstances.
“One of the important tasks ahead of us is to develop a long‑term programme to reduce energy poverty by 2050, with interim targets for 2030,” Petrova said.
“One of the important tasks ahead of us is to develop a long‑term programme to reduce energy poverty by 2050, with interim targets for 2030.”
The minister highlighted recent strides made by Bulgaria to establish a legislative and institutional framework for tackling energy poverty. She cited the introduction of a formal definition of energy poverty as a foundational step that enables better targeting and measurement.
Petrova outlined that the government’s programme through 2030 includes specific commitments under 11 measures aimed at supporting the most vulnerable consumers of energy services. She emphasized that the long‑term programme must ensure consistency in planning measures and coordination between institutions to deliver tangible results.
She also noted that the World Bank assessment had identified both the human and economic costs of energy poverty, underscoring the need for decisive policy action. The assessment, conducted in cooperation with national ministries, reflects a growing awareness of the issue within Bulgaria’s public policy sphere.
Government Commitments and Future Targets
The 2030 programme’s 11 measures are designed to address immediate needs while establishing a foundation for the 2050 goal. Though specific details of each measure were not disclosed during the briefing, the minister confirmed that they focus on financial assistance, energy efficiency improvements, and infrastructure support for low‑income households.
Petrova also mentioned that the programme will incorporate mechanisms for consistent monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that progress toward the interim 2030 targets can be tracked and adjusted as necessary. She reiterated that achieving the 2050 elimination goal will require sustained commitment across multiple ministries and stakeholders.
While the unveiled targets mark a significant policy direction, several uncertainties remain. The World Bank assessment did not provide a detailed road map for the 2030 measures, nor did it specify the exact timelines or funding mechanisms needed to implement them. Additionally, no independent estimates were cited regarding the pace at which the 28 % figure could be reduced under the current policy trajectory.
Energy Minister Iva Petrova’s announcement therefore establishes a framework and schedule for addressing energy poverty in Bulgaria but leaves unresolved the operational details in which multiple government institutions must collaborate to realize the stated objectives.
