The Ombudsman's institution has received 800 complaints regarding increased electricity bills. Over 900 people have contacted me with petitions from 14 settlements. This was stated by Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva at the beginning of the public meeting regarding high electricity bills. Signals continue to arrive daily. 

Public tension does not subside and the topic continues to be sensitive, said Delcheva. She emphasized that citizens have the right to receive an answer.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss specific measures to guarantee transparency, fairness, and effective protection of the rights of electricity consumers.

Ministers, representatives of institutions, and representatives of energy distribution companies are attending the event. The event is taking place at the Ombudsman's institution.

According to the Ombudsman, in their signals, people claim that they have not changed their usual electricity consumption and use the same electrical appliances. There are also complaints of low voltage, Delcheva pointed out. She also emphasized that citizens complain about the lack of an opportunity for installment payments for high bills. People want inspections of the electricity meters and want greater control over how the invoices are formed, Delcheva also noted.

The Ombudsman's institution is also monitoring the topic of energy poverty, said the Ombudsman. Just days ago, I sent an opinion on the draft regulation for determining the status of households in a situation of energy poverty and vulnerable clients, Delcheva added. She pointed out that she has expressed concerns about the proposed criteria because there may be a restriction on the people who will receive support. With the introduction of the additional condition for income around 75% of the elderly would be excluded from the category of “vulnerable client”, Delcheva explained.