BTA :: Thousands of Complaints about Inflated Electricity Bills Suggest Problem

Thousands of Complaints about Inflated Electricity Bills Suggest Problem - Economy Minister

Nikolay Zabov

Caretaker Minister of Economy and Industry Irina Shtonova, Sofia, March 20, 2026 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)

Sofia,

20.03.2026 11:59

(BTA)

The fact that thousands of citizens are filing complaints about inflated electricity bills indicates that there is a problem, said caretaker Minister of Economy and Industry Irina Shtonova during a public meeting organized on Friday by Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva. The forum was under the topic Measures for the Effective Protection of Electricity Consumers.

Shtonova said that it is concerning that there are so many complaints and grievances being filed with the ombudsman and that they continue to pour in. "That is why I am addressing the electricity distribution companies. We cannot leave things as they are now," she stated. The Minister emphasized that of the complaints filed and reviewed so far, not a single one has been upheld by the electricity distribution companies.

She reported around 60% of the complaints have been investigated, and there is no point in investigating the rest if it turns out again that there is no problem with the bills. Shtonova said that the resources of the electricity distribution companies could be used for a more in-depth analysis. "Let’s consider this: if everyone is complaining about the same thing, then automate the verification process you’re conducting," she urged the electricity distribution companies.

The Minister stated that an analysis should be conducted to determine whether there has ever been such a sharp spike in consumption in the past, and to consider why, if the temperature fluctuations during the winter months were so significant, many people’s bills have not changed. "We hear explanations about inefficient and cheap air conditioners and that grid voltage does not affect bills, but how do we explain double bills for homes where no one lives? These are the analyses we insist the companies conduct, and we demand transparency," Shtonova said.

/RY/