EWRC has adopted rules for maintaining a platform for comparing offers for electricity supply

The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) has adopted Rules for maintaining the platform for comparing offers for electricity supply / Rules /, the press center of the energy regulator announced. The platform was established by the Commission in accordance with the amendments to the Energy Act (Amended by the Energy Act, promulgated SG, issue 57 of 2020), as the conditions and the order for its maintenance are determined by rules. The platform is administered by the EWRC and is a unified, central, public web-based information system that provides access to up-to-date information on traders' offers for electricity supply.

The adopted Rules create conditions and order for the maintenance, participation and use of the Platform. The maintenance of the platform, the registration procedure and access for the different categories of users, as well as the termination of the registration are regulated. The criteria for distinguishing between the different types of offers and the conditions to which they should meet are indicated, as well as the order and the manner of preparation, publication, updating and elimination of offers by registered traders. The manner of selection of an offer and preparation of a request, as well as the control over the observance of the Rules and the protection of personal data are also regulated.

The adoption and application of the Rules regulates clarity and security in the relations, both between the users of the Platform and between them and the operator of the platform. This creates an effective bid comparison tool that favors market liberalization, facilitates and encourages consumers' choice to switch electricity suppliers, and increases competition between retailers. In addition to free access to information about the current offers of traders for electricity supply, the Platform allows end customers to choose the best offer for them and to conclude supply contracts.

At the moment, over 30 electricity traders have registered offers for household consumers and non-household consumers on the Platform. The offers can be compared according to different criteria - according to the type of consumers / household or non-household /, type of electricity meter, customer load profile, monthly consumption, term of the contract, penalties, etc. The centralized information system is available at Internet addresses: http://platforma.dker.bg/ and http://ofertizatok.bg/.

In accordance with the normative requirements, before the adoption of the Rules, the Commission held a public discussion of the draft normative act, which was previously published on the website of the EWRC and on the Portal for public consultations. Representatives of “CEZ Bulgaria EAD”, “Energo Pro Energy Services EAD”, “EVN Bulgaria Elektrosnabdyavane EAD”, “Expo Bulgaria EAD” and “Grand Energy Distribution EAD” took part in the discussion. They expressed support for the draft Rules as an important step towards full liberalization of the electricity market. Proposals were made to improve individual definitions in the project, and the Commission gave stakeholders the opportunity to submit written comments within 14 days.

The adopted by the EWRC Rules for maintaining the platform for comparison of offers for electricity supply will enter into force on the day of their promulgation in the “State Gazette”.