News

15 December 2023

Today experts of Ombudsman Diana Kovacheva advised dozens of citizens from Haskovo and the Region within the away reception office at the Regional Administration Headquarters.

In addition to pre-booked appointments, there was a multitude of citizens who flocked to seek a solution to their problems. Most frequently, complaints were made about the poor quality and the price of water and also, about violations of social rights and of rights of people with disabilities.

“On 30 November 2023 the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) hosted a public debate that a delegate of the Ombudsman attended on the upcoming increase of the water prices from 1 January next year. We submitted an opinion in writing to voice a firm objection to such an increase in Haskovo and elsewhere in the country as the price is not tied up with the performance on the quality targets and the investment program. An increase of BGN 5.30 per cubic meter is planned for Haskovo but the price will change and this will become clear on 22 December 2023 when the EWRC’s final decision will be made public. This price is definitely in keeping with the social acceptance ceiling of BGN 5.92 as calculated by the regulatory authority,” said Tsvetanka Ilieva, the chief expert of the Ombudsman, as she spoke to journalists.

She explained that the increase that the EWRC proposes for Haskovo Region is 20% and conforms to what was set in the business plan plus the inflation accumulated in Haskovo within a year. Thus, the business plan projects for the water price to be BGN 5.08; however, when inflation accumulated is added, the price becomes BGN 5.30 per cubic meter.

“When the EWRC decision is issued, it can be appealed before the Sofia Administrative Court by stakeholders alone – the water supply company and citizens who are able to prove that they are customers of that company,” Tsvetanka Ilieva said further.