site.btaRegulator Calls For Analysis of Vulnerable Consumers prior to Entry into Force of New Prices of Water Supply, Sewerage Services in 2017

Regulator Calls For Analysis of Vulnerable Consumers prior to Entry into Force of New Prices of Water Supply, Sewerage Services in 2017

Sofia, March 29 (BTA) - Chairman of the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) Ivan Ivanov told reporters on Tuesday that a discussion should be initiated for assistance to vulnerable consumers of water supply and sewerage services, similar to the assistance provided to energy vulnerable consumers. On Tuesday EWRC hosted public meetings to discuss new regulations vis-a-vis the quality and prices of water supply and sewerage services which are to enter force in 2017.

Ivanov said that the water supply and sewerage utilities will support such a discussion.

Ivanov said also that EWRC has not reviewed the applications for new prices of water filed by the utilities. The utility in Sofia wants an increase of 21 per cent, while the one in Kurdjali, Southern Bulgaria, 25 per cent. Ivanov said that in discussing the applications, the regulator will take into account the interests of both the operators and the consumers.

The EWRC Chairman said that the planned rate of return of 8-10 per cent for water supply and sewerage utilities is not high and that it has been determined on the basis of objective indicators. The rate of return is comparable with the one in the energy sector, he said.