Electricity Prices in Bulgaria Cannot Change before April 1 - Watchdog

A change in electricity prices can be introduced no earlier than April 1, according to Yuliana Ivanova, outgoing Chair of Bulgaria's State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (DKEVR).

Ivanova, as cited by the Focus news agency, explained Friday that the initially suggested deadline of March 1 was unrealistic because the step required cardinal changes which could not be implemented in the few days left until that day.

The outgoing DKEVR Chair did not specify the amount of the anticipated reduction in electricity prices.

Prior to announcing the collective resignation of the center-right GERB government on Thursday, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, seeking to quell a wave of nationwide mass protests over high electricity and heating bills, vowed that power rates would drop by 8% from March 1, provided that DKEVR approved the step.

On the very next day, however, experts commented that this could only happen through a change in the energy mix which would involve including all the energy produced by the Kozloduy NPP and taking out capacities producing more expensive electricity.

Ivanova explained Thursday that concrete proposals about the step were to be submitted by the National Electric Company (NEK) next week.

Bulgaria's energy watchdog is to hold a public discussion on an ordinance on regulating prices of natural gas on Friday.

In a few days' time, DKEVR is to shed light on gas prices in the second quarter of 2013.

Bulgaria's state-owned gas supplier Bulgargaz has not requested an increase in tariffs so far.