EMPLOYERS AND TRADE UNIONS INSIST FOR IMMEDIATE COMPENSATION IN THE AMOUNT OF 75% OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ESTIMATED AND REAL PRICE OF ELECTRICITY

BICA, BIA, BCCI, SSE, CITUB and LC Podkrepa demand immediate compensation in the amount of 75% of the difference between the estimated price of EWRC and the real price for electricity for non-domestic consumers on the free market, which the state has. The estimated price by the regulator is BGN 119 per megawatt-hour, and in the last week the price for non-domestic consumers on the free market is about BGN 400. Support should be provided for each non-household consumer for the period from August 2021 to the month when the price normalizes, thus bringing the price of electricity for industry closer to that of the regulated market.

This became clear at a press conference held today (18 October 2021), at which the six organizations announced their demands and the reasons for the national protest scheduled for October 19 against the drastic increase in the price of electricity.

The overpayments amount to a total of over BGN 2 billion, which according to the six organizations sucks out the vital forces of the economy.

“Once again, Bulgaria has no legislation ready to face any crisis - for every measure we need a functioning parliament. Business and citizens should not pay the price for the fact that politicians cannot find their way to each other,” said during the press conference Maria Mincheva – Vice President of BIA. According to her, the probability of entering the New Year without an adopted budget is very high. “What will happen if there are no measures? When the price of electricity is many times higher than what you have planned and you have long-term contracts for the supply of goods and services at a certain price, the buffers run out within weeks. This means that companies will be forced to either increase prices, or lay off workers, or both. The measures we propose must happen extremely quickly. Let us recall that the measures related to COVID-19 reached the companies late and lost their crisis character. We must not allow the same thing to happen now,” said Maria Mincheva.

“This protest is not political and is neither inspired by parties nor funded by parties. Different types of problems existed last year. Other problems will exist in the coming years. The problem is today and we are looking for a solution from today's government“, added Maria Mincheva categorically.