Bulgaria’s energy regulator approved 3.4% increase in electricity prices for household consumers as of July 1

Bulgaria’s Energy and Water Regulatory Commission adopted a decision approving the prices in the electricity sector for the new regulatory period July 1, 2022 – June 30,.2023.

As of 1 July, the electricity price for household consumers will increase by only 3.4%.

For the customers of "Electrohold Sales" /CEZ/ the change of the final price is by 2,70 %, for "EVN Bulgaria Electricity" - by 3,47 %, for the customers of "Energo-Pro Sales" - by 4,45 %. These prices include both the price of electricity and the prices of network services.

The minimum increase of 3.4% is the result of regulatory measures taken by the Commission. Despite the fact that the electricity distribution companies asked for a significant increase in their transmission costs, the Commission found reserves in the system to counteract the requested increase.

In order to minimise the increase for household customers, the EWRC took three measures: it removed the “social commitment” fee levied on distribution companies, increased the Kozloduy NPP quota from 20% to 30% for the new 2022/2023 price period, and eliminated the premiums for a significant part of renewable energy producers, redirecting the freed-up financial resources to reduce prices for household customers. These measures allow to compensate the increase in transmission costs of the electricity distribution companies "EVN Bulgaria Electricity Supply", "Electrohold Sales" /previously CEZ/ and Energo-Pro Sales" and the Energy System Operator.

As a result of the minimal increase of 3.4%, electricity prices for household consumers in Bulgaria remain the lowest in Europe. This protects Bulgarian households from the shock increase resulting from the war in Ukraine, which saw the price of electricity in the domestic sector rise by 45% across the rest of the continent.

The decision was taken after a preliminary open meeting and a public consultation with the participation of stakeholders - the Ombudsman, BFIEC, BCCI, Free Energy Market Association, civil organisations and associations. The final decision takes into account all the proposals made during the discussion.

The Commission's decision on the approval of prices in the electricity sector for the new regulatory period July 1,.2022 – June 30,.2023 is published on the regulator's website.