Bulgarian Prosecution Discloses Energy Probe Results

The three power distributors operating in Bulgaria - CEZ, EVN, and Energo-Pro – have become the target of a collusion probe. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria's prosecution is to announce Wednesday the results of its probe in the energy sector.

The probe of the National Electric Company, NEK, the State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation, DKEVR, and the three power distributors – CEZ, EVN, and Energo-Pro was launched in the aftermath of mass protests in the country against high utility bills that turned to civil unrest and led to the resignation of Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, and the Cabinet of his Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party, GERB.

Earlier Bulgaria's Chief Prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov announced that the prosecuting authority was starting inspections at the three power distributors operating in the country, CEZ, EVN, and Energo-Pro.

He made clear that the three firms would be inspected by three separate teams of prosecutors and tax officials.

Tsatsarov presented the steps taken by the prosecuting authority in connection with the growing public discontent over the high electricity prices.

The prosecution also proposed to DKEVR to revoke CEZ' license over mass and systematic regulatory breaches.

The prosecution's team is led by Sofia City Prosecutor, Nikolay Kokinov.

On March 28, police and anti-monopoly watchdog representatives raided the premises of the three power distributors.

The search warrant was issued by the Administrative Court in Sofia.

Their aim was to gather evidence and documents that the energy companies colluded to prevent clients from switching over to a new electricity provider.

The raids were coordinated in advance with the General Directorates Competition and Antitrust, Energy and Environment at the European Commission.

The news came exactly a month after prosecutors from Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv and tax officials entered the offices of the power distributors.

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