PRICES OF CENTRAL HEATING DOWN, IF GAS IS 7% CHEAPER

"Central heating prices in Bulgaria may be cut down in January 2010 only if natural gas is at least 7% cheaper," State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC) Chairman Angel Semerdjiev said yesterday. However, he did not specify the eventual price decrease. "Bulgargaz is also expected to make its proposal for the prices in the first three months of 2011 and it will be submitted within several days," added Semerdjiev. According to him, clients of central heating utilities will hardly feel any price reduction of their services even if some 5-7% decrease of Russian gas supplies is negotiated. SEWRC plans to cut down gas distribution companies' rate of return, which would ensure lower prices of this fuel for households.

Some 4-5% price hike of water in cities can be expected as of the beginning of next year. "We will consider the grounds for the price increase demanded by the Sofia Water Utility, but I do not think these are very reasonable," specified Semerdjiev.