Toplofikatsiya Sofia faces collapse, warns opposition group
“Save Sofia” municipal councilors have warned that Toplofikatsiya Sofia is on the verge of collapse, claiming mismanagement and financial instability threaten the city’s heating supply. Boris Bonev, the chairman of “Save Sofia,” accused the management of hiding the company’s condition from the public after blocking journalists from entering a planned briefing at the Sofia Thermal Power Plant.
Emilia Angelova, a member of the Finance Committee, stated that Toplofikatsiya faces a liquidity crisis and may not be able to provide gas for the upcoming heating season, risking a shortage of heating and hot water for Sofia residents. She revealed that Bulgargaz had requested a repayment plan, but Toplofikatsiya has failed to respond, even as the situation worsens.
The company has proposed a 1.2 billion leva investment loan for cogeneration capacity, but “Save Sofia” considers this move dangerous given the company’s instability. The group fears that the loan will be used as an excuse for corruption, with public resources mismanaged. They are calling for transparent management selections, an independent audit of the company, and international supervision if the loan goes through. Bonev criticized Mayor Terziev for not taking action, noting that delays are making the situation worse.
