EWRC Chairman Stanislav Todorov pledges not to shock the rise in the price of electricity for households

"There will be no shock increase in electricity prices from April 1 or July 1." This was assured by the viewers of "Hello, Bulgaria" Stanislav Todorov, the new chairman of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC). According to him, the possible increase would be below 10 percent, as the regulator "has very big levers" in terms of prices.

"The Commission is actively working to calculate the price components that are included in the price of household electricity. Bulgaria is in a very calm situation in terms of electricity, unlike gas, because it has its own production, which is enough to meet the needs of everyday life and business. We import the gas in full. The jumps in the world gas and electricity exchanges will not affect Bulgarian consumers to such an extent, "Todorov added. He clarified that the most common tariff for electricity for households is 20 cents day and 15 cents night tariff. Of these, 6 stotinki are for transfer.

The EWRC chairman explained that it is too early to give a forecast for the price of natural gas in April.

Bulgargaz has a clearly defined formula for buying its gas. We will calculate the price for consumers when the end of the month comes. If the war ends and Russia starts supplying gas as before, the price will fall dramatically, but by today there will be an increase and it will not be 3 %%, he said, recalling that Bulgargaz will give an estimated price for April ”.

Stanislav Todorov also explained that he is currently negotiating with Azerbaijan on gas supplies and the method of transmission in case Russia stops the flow.

"Currently, maximum quantities of Azeri gas are not imported, because the price would be much higher than the one we have agreed on in the long run," he explained. The chairman of the regulatory commission also raised the issue of the possibility of using the Turkish Stream gas pipeline to Serbia.

Once again, Todorov explained that the gas company cannot conclude contracts as it wants and then present them to the regulator. According to him, EWRC should have control over these contracts.

The EWRC Chairman announced that a European directive is expected to be issued, which will oblige all countries to remove barriers that prevent households from producing their own electricity. In this program it is set for everyone who bought a solar panel for their home to be reimbursed 70% of the amount invested.

"We want to enable Bulgarian consumers to produce electricity for their own needs. The investment pays off from the lower price for about 7 years ", added Todorov.