Bulgaria's CEZ Power Utility Attempts to Counter Overdue Bills

The Czech-owned power utility CEZ, servicing western Bulgaria, say more and more customers fail to pay their bills, having negative influence on the company’s cash flow and payments to suppliers. Photo by BGNES

The Czech-owned power utility CEZ, servicing western Bulgaria, remind Monday they offer their customers the option to temporarily disconnect the electric supply of those who will be away from home for an extended period of time.

The service is suited for people traveling during the summer and year-round, wishing not only to save on their bill, but to prevent electricity theft or damages.

In the first half of 2010, 1 419 customers have used the service. Those wishing to sign for it must visit one of the company’s customers centers while clients with agreements for indirect services can call 0700 10010. All need to state the beginning date and the length of time they will need to be disconnected. The reconnection is free of charge.

Despite this and other services such as sending a short text message to remind cutomers their bill is due, CEZ say more and more of them fail to pay their bills, having negative influence on the company’s cash flow and payments to suppliers.

The deadline for payment is 10 days. The next step is to send the customer a warning and, as a last measure, to disconnect the electric supply, CEZ remind.

In cases of large overdue amounts of thousands of BGN the company can resort to legal actions, freezing of bank accounts, wage garnishing and even a ban to leave the country (over BGN 5 000).

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!