BULGARIA’S PARLIAMENT HOLDS A HEARING OF ENERGY REGULATOR OVER ELECTRICITY PRICES

On 24th of June, Bulgaria’s Parliament holds a hearing of the management of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) on the way of setting the prices for electricity.

The MPs decided the sitting in the plenary hall to be broadcast live on BNT.

The hearing is related to the attempts to avoid the planned increase of electricity prices for industrial consumers from 1st of July. The increase was proposed by the energy regulator EWRC.

On 23rd of June, the Parliamentary Committee that oversees the activities of EWRC passed at first reading the amendments to the Energy Act, which would postpone the increase of electricity prices with one month. The aim is to provide time for the results of the financial audit in the ‘green’ power stations to be ready, 10% reduction of workforce in the state-owned energy enterprises to be carried out and the Regulation, which reduces the impact of price hike, to come into force.

The amendments to the Energy Act will be discussed by the Energy Committee on 24th of June and on 25th of June it is expected to be moved for discussions in the plenary hall.

On Friday, 26th of June, the regulator EWRC will make a final decision on whether or not the electricity prices for industrial users will go up.