Bulgarians Face Heating Price Hike

Business » ENERGY | June 1, 2010, Tuesday // 15:56
Bulgarians Face Heating Price Hike: Bulgarians Face Heating Price Hike The Head of DKEVR, Atanas Semerdzhiev, says price hikes of 20% to 45% for heating are a likely outcome for Bulgarian households. Photo by BGNES

The hot water price for Bulgarian consumers, who use central heating in their homes, is going up between 10% and 35%, beginning July 1.

The data comes from the preliminary estimates of the State Commission for Energy and Water regulation (DKEVR), but they are based on current gas prices, which are expected to jump between 15% and 20% mid-year. All this means that on July 1, heating prices in Bulgaria might go up by the staggering 20% to 45%. The Head of DKEVR, Atanas Semerdzhiev, confirmed for the media that such outcome is very likely, but denied reports the Commission is trying to mislead customers by announcing lower numbers at first.

The Directors of Heating Utilities across the country voiced their discontent from the news, saying that they will be forced to declare bankruptcy even with a 10% price increase while cuts in funds for repairs will increase the risk of heating supply disruptions and failures.

The largest price hikes (between 35% and 23%) are expected in the cities of Gabrovo, Sliven, Vratsa and Varna. Sofia and Plovdiv are looking at an increase of 11%, but all this is according to preliminary estimates, without taking into account the gas prices.

DKEVR is yet to announce the new prices of electric power.

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Tags: Atanas Semerdzhiev, DKEVR, heating price, gas price

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