site.btaERM Zapad Expresses Disagreement National Assembly Decision to Compensate Household Customers Left without Electricity during Holidays

Electricity distribution operator ERM Zapad, part of the Eurohold Bulgaria group, expressed on Wednesday its disagreement with a bill adopted by Parliament at second reading related to providing financial support to household end customers of electricity. Such a discriminatory clause contradicts the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, as well as European Union law, the operator argued in a statement. 

Inspections by competent authorities regarding the causes of the events that occurred at the end of 2024 are still ongoing and there are still no conclusions, said ERM Zapad. 

ERM Zapad is already paying compensation to all affected persons who have filed a claim on the basis of the General Terms and Conditions for the Use of the Electricity Distribution Network. To date, all those who have submitted bank accounts have received compensation, the company stated.

The adopted text of the law obliges electricity distribution companies to pay several times, including to persons who were not affected or have no claims for compensation, which is unfair and constitutes a disproportionate sanctioning of the companies, ERM Zapad argued.

The law sets a precedent for inadmissible state intervention and contradicts the principles of the rule of law. It transfers the social functions and expenses of the state to businesses, thereby endangering its financial stability, the statement added.

ERM Zapad stated that it will take all legal measures to protect its interests and those of its clients.

The management of another one of the three electricity distribution companies in the country, EVN Bulgaria, also strongly objected with similar arguments.