The Ombudsman called on the three EDCs to reinstate the 20-day deadline for payment of electricity bills

The Ombudsman Diana Kovacheva called on the three electricity distribution companies – “EVN Bulgaria Elektrosnabdyavane EAD”,” CEZ Electro Bulgaria AD” and “Energo-Pro Sales AD”, to extend from 10 to 20 days the period within which their customers must pay their obligations. The reason for the Ombudsman's recommendation are complaints from citizens in which they express their concern that without warning, the companies have returned the 10-day deadline for payment of bills, which was extended to 20 days due to the pandemic emergency.

According to Assoc. Prof. Kovacheva, this has an adverse effect on the difficult financial situation of the citizens, because from the 11th day after the invoice is issued, penalties for the delay start to be charged.

"I should note that the current complicated epidemic situation has led to the adoption of new, more severe measures against the spread of coronavirus, with an impending lockdown in Sofia and other parts of the country, which will inevitably affect much of the household income." , the Ombudsman emphasized.

Assoc. Prof. Kovacheva draws attention to the fact that as early as December 2020 she made such a recommendation to CEZ, insisting that the possibility of temporary renewal of the specified extended term be discussed. Then, as now, the reason is the many signals to the ombudsman institution, in which citizens complain that in the complex economic and pandemic situation they find it difficult to pay their electricity bills in the shorter period.

On March 17, 2021, three months after the first recommendation of the Ombudsman to CEZ, the institution received a response from the company explaining the decision to return the deadline set in the General Terms and Conditions of CEZ Electro Bulgaria AD for payment of debts with "Incorrectness on the part of some of the debtors, as well as the inability to delay the company's payments to the participants in the energy chain responsible for the production, transmission and distribution of electricity."

In their letter to the Ombudsman from CEZ, they also draw attention to the fact that after October 1, 2020, the company applies a 14-day deadline for payment of debts, and not a 10-day deadline, as per the General Terms and Conditions.

However, in the context of the forthcoming new pandemic crisis and lockdown, the ombudsman Diana Kovacheva insists that the companies take action to temporarily return the 20-day delay for the payment of electricity bills.

"I am confident that you will approach with the necessary understanding and make a decision that will guarantee the rights of electricity consumers in the current complex economic and pandemic situation," wrote in conclusion Assoc. Prof. Kovacheva.