There was a higher consumption of electricity in the family than was foreseen in the decision on the price of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) for the regulatory period from July 1 of this year, the minister told Bulgarian National Television (BNT) today. Minister of Energy, Vladimir Malinov.

He has explained that this higher consumption needs to be covered, which is one of the reasons for the proposal to increase the price of electricity next year, says an EWRC report.

Bulgarian families will continue to pay a price many times lower than in the free market, the minister said, stressing that there will be no electricity rationing.

He also said that the residents of Sofia have no reason to worry, as Bulgargaz will not stop supplying natural gas to the heating company Toplofikatsiya Sofia. Malinov added, however, that measures should be taken to rehabilitate the company.

There will be no shocking increase in prices after the introduction of the free market for households, Malinov emphasized. Full liberalization should take effect on January 1, 2026, and before that there will be a six-month transition period so that consumers can adjust more easily, he added.

The Ministry of Energy did not support a proposed tax on underground resources, the minister noted.

"We believe that this will negatively affect investments in this sector", he argued.

The subsequent amendment of the proposal in the draft law of the State Budget was supported by the majority of organizations for different types of natural resources, the minister added. He pointed out that undoubtedly the revenues in the budget will be smaller, but they make a more balanced proposal.