site.btaRegulator Postpones Adoption of New Electricity Prices until July 31

Regulator Postpones Adoption of New Electricity Prices until July 31

Sofia, June 29 (BTA) - The Energy and Water Regulatory
Commission (EWRC) said on Monday that it has postponed the
adoption of new electricity prices until July 31 pursuant to
Energy Act amendments which were promulgated in the State
Gazette on Saturday.

According to the announcement, posted on the regulator's
website, EWRC is guided by the need to strike a balance between
the interests of electricity companies and users.

Over the short term, the ministers of energy, finance and
economy are expected to issue an ordinance on reducing the
burden on electricity users resulting from the costs of
electricity from renewable sources, EWRC said. The regulator
reasoned that if it approved new electricity prices by the usual
 deadline, June 30, the rates would not take into account that
ordinance as it would not be ready by then.

EWRC expects that the actions planned by the executive and
legislative branches of government will create opportunities
over the next month to streamline electricity costs and prices.

Usually, EWRC sets the prices of electricity on a half-year
basis, effective January 1 and July 1 of each year. The amended
Energy Act allows the regulator to extend the current six-month
pricing period by a month. This means that the current period
will end on July 31 and the next one will begin on August 1.