Commission for Energy

A remarkable shift in Bulgaria's energy landscape has been unveiled in the latest report from the Commission for Energy and Water Regulation, submitted to the Bulgarian parliament. The data reveals a staggering increase of over 140% in electricity production from photovoltaic plants, accompanied by a significant decline in output from coal-fired power plants in the year 2023.

"Bulgargaz" suggests an 18% decrease in natural gas prices starting next month, potentially lowering costs for consumers to around BGN 58 per megawatt hour.

The proposal was made during a public discussion with the Commission for Energy and Water Regulation, with the final decision expected on March 1.

Natural gas to become cheaper by nearly 8 percent in January next year and to be sold for about BGN 81 per megawatt hour without taxes and levies - this proposal was submitted by "Bulgargaz" to the energy regulator.

Speculations are rife about the potential buyer for Lukoil Neftohim Burgas refinery, with Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR emerging as the primary contender, as reported by Trud newspaper.

"We will not allow an increase in the price of electricity for household consumers after the complete liberalization of the electricity market". This was stated by Prime Minister Academician Nikolai Denkov before the start of the regular government meeting today.

The Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (EWRC) confirmed the price of natural gas for the month of August in the amount of 59.67 leva/MWh, excluding access, transmission, excise and VAT prices. At this price, "Bulgargaz" EAD will sell natural gas to final suppliers and to persons who have been issued a license for the production and transmission of thermal energy.

Between 4% and 5% will be the price increase of household electricity from July 1 due to the inclusion in the mix of more expensive electricity from TPP "Maritsa Iztok 2", which was done by the order of the former energy minister Rosen Hristov.

Natural gas in Bulgaria is expected to drop in price by over 18% starting next month. This was said by the executive director of Bulgargaz, Denitsa Zlateva, during today's open meeting of the Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (EWRC).

Natural gas will be nearly 30% cheaper from February and will be sold for about BGN 130 per megawatt hour without taxes and levies. This was stated by the executive director of "Bulgargaz" Denitsa Zlateva during the price discussion at the energy regulator.

She also indicated the reasons for this reduction:

Bulgaria: Increase in Price of Gas for January, a Jump of 22.7% compared to December