site.btaRegulator: Power Rationing Unlikely

Sofia, August 11 (BTA) - Chairman of the State Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC) Boyan Boev said speaking to reporters on Monday that power rationing is unlikely. The remark was made in response to  a comment late last week by caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva about the possibility for power rationing.

Boev said SEWRC does not expect power rationing.

Approached to comment whether electricity prices will be increased in the autumn, Boev said that "we should have no illusions, power prices must change as of October 1". The price and its possible upmark will be known in mid-September, he said, adding that if the European Commission supports SEWRC's petitions and suggestions, "a price hike could be avoided".

The EC is yet to resolve on the two petitions SEWRC made for changing long-term agreements on purchase of electricity in Bulgaria.

Commenting the proposal to set up an energy board, Boev said that he sees it as a general meeting or a venue for discussions. He noted that until the present moment, "SEWRC has not received an invitation to attend such an event".