Businesses want the government to change how it pays electricity compensation to non-household users. Under the new rules, most of the money won't arrive until one lump sum after June 30, 2027, Bulgarian National Radio reports. The scheme covers not just companies but hospitals and schools too.
The change follows a decision by the Council of Ministers in mid-September, which scrapped the old system of working out and paying compensation every month. Now the gap between the market price and what's actually paid builds up and gets paid as one lump sum only after the 10-month scheme ends.
Compensation kicks in once the average monthly market price passes 122 euros per megawatt-hour. If the price jumps sharply — above 180 euros per megawatt-hour in a given month — users get an interim advance.
Employers warn that delaying the payment will hit their day-to-day costs and put their finances under strain. They fear companies and other non-household users will have to cover higher bills out of their own pocket for months before they see any compensation.
They are now asking the energy ministry for a meeting to renegotiate the payment deadlines and method.