CEZ Distribution: We comply with all regulatory norms for joining new customers

CEZ Distribution Bulgaria strictly complies with the regulations in the process of connecting new customers to the electricity distribution network and makes every effort to optimize the deadlines, said the company's management in connection with a protest by several Sofia companies that claim they cannot join the network.

"We do not accept attacks to slow down the process. For our part, we have fulfilled all our obligations under the concluded contracts and we continue to assist in the fastest possible accession of the applicants, in accordance with the current regulations," said Victor Stanchev, COO of CEZ Distribution Bulgaria AD.

The case became public after dozens of companies, which want to legally join the company's electricity distribution network on the territory of the former Computer Equipment Factory (ZIT) in Sofia, threatened to protest and block Tsarigradsko Shosse Blvd.

An inspection carried out by CEZ Distribution found that the connection contracts were concluded in 2013. The procedure for assignment of real rights in favor of CEZ Distribution Bulgaria AD was immediately started and finalized in 2015. After the completion of the procedure and the acquisition by CEZ of the energy equipment, as the next step in the process, the company has assigned in mid-2018 the development of projects that are necessary for the connection of customers. At the beginning of 2020, some of the customers submitted requests for a change in the initially requested capacity, which necessitated a change in the conditions for connection, and this requires the preparation of new projects.

In this regard, new agreements have been prepared, and the envisaged term for design and construction is within 12 months. At present, the deadline has not expired. The projects have been submitted for issuing construction permits, after which the facilities will be built and put into operation, and the deadline stipulated in the agreements will be met, the company said.

It should be borne in mind that in connection with the pandemic, the conciliation procedures this year were further complicated by objective reasons, the company added.

On 17 November 2020, stakeholders held a meeting to discuss the necessary steps and deadlines for the implementation of accession projects. The parties agreed that CEZ Distribution Bulgaria is fulfilling its obligations, specifying the next steps and deadlines for joining the sites.