New Year Brings Higher Bills: Here’s How Much Electricity and Water Will Cost
Brace yourselves, Bulgaria – the new year is shaping up to bring higher utility bills. As we ring in 2023, both electricity and water prices are set to increase, causing concern among households across the country.
Electricity: A Dearth of Generators
The hiking of electricity prices has been a hot topic of late, with the Bulgarian Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (KEVR) under scrutiny. The negotiation of a new electricity generation contract will take place tonight, with expectations running high for significant price hikes.
Interesting read: KEVR to decide on electricity price hike tonight
In December 2022, KEVR proposed an increase in electricity prices by BGN 14.31 (EUR 7.21) per MWh for households, which would add an extra BGN 7 (EUR 3.53) to monthly bills for an average consumer.
Water: A Wave of Increases
Water prices are also set to rise, with the average household expected to shell out an extra BGN 6.5 (EUR 3.28) per month. This is due to Sofia Water’s proposal to increase prices by BGN 0.057 (EUR 0.029) per cubic meter.
Hope for Revisions
Amidst growing public concern, there’s a glimmer of hope. The chairman of KEVR, Kalin Kirilov, has acknowledged the possibility of revising the proposed tariffs. In an interview, he stated that the final decision will depend on the specifics of the new electricity generation contracts.
Related: KEVR chair suggests possibility of revising electricity price hike
The new year is bringing more than just celebrations – it’s also ushering in higher utility bills. While the increases are inevitable, Bulgarians can hope that the final figures will be less painful than originally anticipated. As we turn the page on 2022, let’s cross our fingers for some relief in 2023.
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