site.btaEnergy Regulator Increases Electricity, Heating Prices as of July 1

Sofia, July 1 (BTA) - As of July 1, the electricity price for household consumers increases by 2.03 per cent on average and the heating price by 7.33 per cent on average, the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC)  said Sunday. The new prices are effective until June 30, 2019.

The increase of the heating price is linked to a raise of the natural gas price by 10.81 per cent as of June 29. Bulgargaz had requested an increase by 18.5 per cent.   

Emerging from an EWRC closed sitting on electricity and heating prices in the next pricing period, EWRC Chairman Ivan Ivanov told reporters that the electricity price will increase by 1,75  per cent for CEZ, 1.82 per cent for EVN, and by 2.78 per cent for Energo-Pro. The heating price will increase by 7.46 per cent for Toplofikacia Sofia, by 0.94 per cent for EVN Bulgaria Toplofikacia - Plovdiv, and by 4.89 per cent for Veolia Energy Varna, he specified. The detailed decisions are published on the EWRC website.

Ivanov said that the new prices are based on clear economic logic. The energy regulator makes decisions based on four key principles: transparency, sustainability, compliance with the law, and equity. The EWRC strictly applies a conservative approach of not allowing abrupt changes in prices, as evidenced by the price raises in the last three years remaining way below the increases in the average and minimum wages, pensions, and annual inflation, he noted. The energy regulator also takes into account what the consumers can afford and, at the same time, the need of sustainable development of companies in the energy and natural gas sector, he added.

Asked how the new heating price will affect consumers' bills, Ivanov said that heating is used by only 15 per cent of Bulgarian population; small town and village residents use wood, coal and electricity for heating instead of natural gas. That is why the most important index is the price of electricity, which the EWRC strives to increase as little as possible; however, the energy regulator cannot allow the energy distribution companies to experience severe financial difficulties, he underscored.

Citizens protested against the new prices in front of the EWRC building on Sunday. Their posters read, "They are killing us with the electricity, water and heating! Will we pay for air as well?".