site.btaMRF-New Beginning to Table Amendment That Would Require Regulator to Cover Cost of Electricity Meter Accuracy Tests

The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) - New Beginning parliamentary group will table an amendment that would require the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) to cover the cost of electricity meter accuracy tests amid complaints about high electricity bills since the start of the year, the party’s press service said.

"Shockingly high electricity bills since the start of the year have driven people to the streets, but their calls have gone unanswered by institutions. What is more, consumers who request a meter test must pay for the service themselves. This is extremely unfair because the risk of paying more than EUR 60 out of pocket discourages many people from requesting a test of their meters," the party added.

For this reason, the MRF – New Beginning parliamentary group is proposing a legislative change that would oblige the EWRC to cover the cost of such tests. The measure would make it possible to check more than 100,000 electricity meters at citizens’ request, the party said. The amendment also envisages an audit of the billing systems of electricity and gas distribution companies to ensure greater transparency and clarity in how utility bills are calculated. 

Earlier this month, caretaker Energy Minister Traicho Traikov said that more than 15,000 consumers had filed complaints about high electricity bills.