Headline: Bulgaria’s Consumer Association Demands Resignations Over Nationwide Power Outages
Subheadline: Inadequate response from regulatory bodies leaves thousands without electricity and heat
Bulgaria’s Association for the Protection of Consumers (ACP) has called for the resignations of top officials at the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), the Commission for Consumer Protection (CCP), and the Electricity System Operator (ESO) due to the ongoing power outages affecting numerous areas across the country.
"Responsible institutions tasked with monitoring electricity distribution companies have been asleep at the wheel, failing to initiate inspections even after three days of blackouts," stated Peyo Mayorsky, chairman of the ACP. "While they’re comfortable at home with their power on, we demand their immediate resignations. Unlike other European countries, Bulgarian officials hide and shift blame."
The institutions must now investigate whether the three electricity distribution companies have fulfilled their network maintenance obligations. Negligence and non-compliance with these responsibilities have left hundreds of thousands without power and heat. The CCP, meanwhile, must examine general conditions and contracts between distribution companies and customers, assessing any compensations due to consumers.
Mayorsky urges citizens and businesses to file complaints and seek compensation. If a customer is left without power for more than 24 hours due to the distribution company’s fault, they can file a signal or complaint with the energy company and claim a delay penalty. Consumers should proactively seek their rights by filing a complaint or signal with the respective electricity distribution company (EDC). Additionally, individuals who feel aggrieved can pursue damages through legal means.
"In no way should electricity distribution companies hide behind their force majeure clauses," Mayorsky further commented. "They have a duty to maintain the networks, trim trees to prevent cable damage during snowfall. Some have not fulfilled their obligations, and it’s unjust for the institutions, represented by EWRC, ESO, and the Ministry of Energy, to pass the buck."
According to general terms of the access and transmission of electricity contracts for the three distribution companies operating in Bulgaria ("Electricity Distribution Networks West" EAD, "Electricity Distribution North" AD, and "Electricity Distribution South" EAD), they are liable for a penalty of 30 BGN if a customer remains without power for more than 24 hours due to their negligence. The company must pay an additional penalty of 20 BGN for every period of 12 hours, up to a maximum of 120 BGN, if the power outage lasts more than 36 hours.
Collective claims can be filed in cases of collective harm to citizens, with representative associations of consumers able to pursue damages on behalf of affected individuals. If power outages have damaged personal items, distribution companies are obligated to compensate clients for the specific losses incurred. Consumers must notify the company within five working days of the incident, after which a company representative will inspect the damages and draw up a protocol. Disputes can be resolved either through negotiation or by resorting to legal action.
