Energy minister Iva Petrova said Toplofikatsia Sofia is not ready for winter. She told parliament's energy committee that 286 of the company's substations are shut because of faults.

Many have been out of service for more than two months. More than 400 other faults are being monitored, Petrova said.

Checks before the heating season began found gaps in the company's preparation. The minister said any heating problems this winter will be "purely due to a lack of adequate preparation and organisation for this season at the level of Toplofikatsia Sofia". She said Bulgargaz is meeting its obligations, and problems will not come from the gas company.

Petrova promised that more expensive natural gas will not raise household heating bills in the current regulatory period. The price difference will be covered under existing laws and with money from the Electricity System Security Fund, she said.