State Compensation for Power Supply Problems at End of 2024 to Be Paid with February Bills

Delyan Petrishki, Kaloyan Vassev

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov (BTA Photo/ Nikola Uzunov)

Sofia,

20.01.2025 17:09

(BTA)

The government will compensate those affected by the power outages during the past Christmas and New Year holidays through the February invoices, from which the compensation provided will be deducted, said Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov at a briefing after a meeting with representatives of the electricity distribution companies. "The fastest way to compensate the affected citizens is to do it through the electricity bills," Stankov said about the agreement reached with the representatives of the electricity distribution companies during the meeting.

"The compensations for the first 24 hours amount to BGN 30, and for every twelfth hour - additional BGN 20", Stankov said, clarifying that the additional state compensation will only be paid to households that occupy the property permanently and have received electricity invoices for all 13 months from December 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024. "For all other properties it is accepted that they are not occupied long term by their owners and therefore no damage is deemed to have occurred. This selection approach is viewed as a responsible use of taxpayer funds", Stankov explained.

Electrohold said that they review every complaint received and if there is a basis for satisfying it, customers are sent letters asking them to provide their bank accounts, which will be needed to make direct payments. Complaints are dealt with in the order in which they are received. Electrohold added that there is no deadline for customers to submit claims to the company. Elektrorazpredelenie Yug EAD (EP Yug) representatives denied having any rejected complaints, saying that the procedure for their consideration is ongoing. The company believes that there is every reason to assess the meteorological situation.

Energo Pro also assured that each request received is considered individually. An important condition for a claim to be accepted is that it is made by the account holder. "Once they are brought to the fore, Bulgaria is one of the countries that benefits the least from the Horizon 2020 programmes; the Innovation Fund; Carmen, etc.", Stankov stressed, adding that the help offered by the ministry was accepted promptly. "Colleagues from Electriciy System Operators and companies decided to join together in common programmes to apply for. On the Ministry's side, we have committed to meet with the European Investment Bank, which provides technical assistance, so that these projects can be prepared as soon as possible," Stankov said.

/MY/