Ombudsman Diana Kovacheva sharply criticized the proposed amendments to the law amending and supplementing the Energy Act. She has submitted a statement with her objections to Energy Minister Rumen Radev. Diana Kovacheva’s primary argument is that the bill sets down the date for the first steps for liberalizing the electric energy market for the population in mid-heating season – 1 January, 2024. Ombudsman Kovacheva points out that the date has been set in haste and without due consideration, and could lead to unpredictable situations before household customers come out on the free market, adding that the liberalization of the electric energy market envisaged must not begin without a mechanism of financial support for vulnerable households.