News

12 June 2026

“Another increase in electricity and heating prices will place an additional burden on households.” This was stated by Deputy Ombudsman Maria Filipova during her participation in the public discussions on the new electricity and heating prices proposed by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC).

 The planned increase in electricity prices as of 1 July averages 3%, while the increase for district heating and hot water is 4.58%.

Filipova pointed out that the Ombudsman Institution strongly opposes even a minimal increase in prices for residential consumers.

 “At a time when households are struggling to cope with the effects of high inflation, and a significant portion of people’s incomes are not growing at the same rate, any increase in the price of essential services—such as electricity and heating—places an additional burden on the budgets of Bulgarian families,” added the Deputy Ombudsman.

She emphasised that pensioners, people with disabilities, elderly people living alone, and low-income families would be the hardest hit by such a decision. According to her, for these vulnerable groups, the costs of electricity, heating, and hot water are not a matter of convenience but are essential to life, so any price increase will lead to a reduction in funds for medication, food, and other basic needs.

Maria Filipova informed the participants in the discussion that the Ombudsman Institution continues to receive numerous reports and complaints from citizens regarding both financial difficulties in paying bills and the quality of the services provided. Among the issues people regularly raise are frequent failures, leaks, and interruptions in electricity and heat supply, as well as the lack of sufficient safeguards for consumer protection.

The Deputy Ombudsman urged the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission to put the interests of citizens and the social affordability of prices at the forefront when making its final decision. She added that consumer protection must be the guiding criterion in setting prices for services of public interest that directly affect citizens’ lives.

The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission is expected to issue a decision on 1 July 2026.