This morning a EVN delegation of 14 representatives paid a visit to the Secretariat. The delegation was lead by Mr. Stefan Szyszkowitz, Chairman of the Management Board of EVN Bulgaria EAD.
Mr. Szyszkowitz firstly explained the representation of the EVN in Bulgaria and former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, including the foreseen changes in personal policy in the coming months. As a next step, EVN’s involvement in the region and projects in the pipeline were subject to discussion. EVN has just opened its first photovoltatic plant in Bulgaria. After having received two licences, EVN will for the first time get engaged in gas distribution business alone the Croatian coast line. As regards EVN’s projects in Albania, it is of crucial importance that energy producers are free to use the energy the way it wishes.
Mr. Slavtcho Neykov, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, briefed EVN about the key outcomes of the 7th Ministerial Council last week. To this end, Energy Community’s increased involvement in the area of renewable energy and energy efficiency was underlined. Also the latest development steps of the Co-ordinated Auction Office were at the focus of attention. Based on its experience gained, EVN stated that the success of such a project depends not so much on political will but rather on communication and training at an expert level.
Mr. Neykov also gave EVN an update on the pending dispute settlement case against former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Additionally, the Secretariat’s involvement in the area of statistics was discussed. Director Neykov also stressed the importance of social issues in the region. In this context, Mr. Szyszkowitz explained about EVN’s co-operation with a Bulgarian NGO on helping a Sinti and Roma settlement in Bulgaria. At the end of the project, smart metering increased collectability from 3% to 86% and technical losses were reduced by 40%. In this relation, both EVN and ECS agreed that aside introducing new technologies, spreading best case experience in the region is essential.
