Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov has assured Bulgarian citizens that the upcoming liberalization of the electricity market will not lead to higher household electricity bills. He emphasized that the government is implementing compensatory measures to protect consumers, with support coming from the Electricity System Security Fund.
Stankov clarified that although market liberalization is scheduled to begin on July 1, household electricity prices will remain stable. Any potential increase in electricity costs will be fully offset through compensation mechanisms. For example, if a household’s monthly bill rises from 150 leva to 400 leva due to market changes, a compensation of 250 leva will be applied directly to the bill, ensuring the consumer continues to pay only 150 leva.
In addition to general compensation, the government is also working on a targeted support mechanism for low-income households to provide further assistance. Stankov also highlighted that the state had already compensated households affected by power outages during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
To reinforce consumer protection, the minister announced that a new law will introduce stricter penalties for electricity distribution companies that fail to meet their service obligations, with fines reaching up to 50,000 leva.