site.btaExtra Checks Launched into Household Electricity Bills, Says Energy Minister

Extraordinary inspections of electricity distribution companies and final suppliers regarding household electricity bills began on Wednesday, outgoing Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov told a press conference following a Cabinet meeting.

According to Stankov, the Ministry has been in constant contact with the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) on the issue this week. Each case will be assessed separately.

The Minister said that the inspections will pay particular attention to whether billing periods fall within 30 days, rather than covering a longer period, as happened in 2013 when a single bill covered two months of consumption. The quality of electricity supply will also be analyzed, including whether households received the service with the required parameters, Stankov added.

“If violations are found, the full force of the law will be applied under both the legislation overseen by the EWRC and within the Ministry’s remit,” he said.

Stankov also said that an analysis comparing January to December shows an increase in electricity consumption across the country ranging between 15% and 30%, depending on the region. In January, consumption peaked at around 8,200 MW - levels not seen since 1986, he noted.

He specified that so far, the Ministry has received complaints mainly concerning service quality, while EWRC has also had complaints about electricity bills. All complaints will be subject to the inspections.

Stankov recalled that since July 1, 2025, the regulated electricity price for household consumers has increased by just over 2% for the following 12 months, which he said should have a minimal impact on final bills.

The inspections will include an analysis of consumption at the time complaints were filed as well as for previous periods, to determine whether reported usage is typical for the subscriber. Detailed information will be requested from the three electricity distribution companies and final suppliers to ensure fairness in billing for millions of household consumers in the country.