Bulgaria’s Parliament Approves Energy Act Amendments concerning Energy Watchdog

Bulgaria’s State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (DKEVR) is renamed to Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (KEVR) under amendments to the Energy Act that passed second reading in Parliament on Thursday.

Under the new provisions the members of KEVR are elected by Parliament, according to reports of Darik radio.

In order for a decision to be adopted, it has to be approved by more than the half of its members. Abstention is not allowed.
The energy watchdog is defined as a permanent body that is independent of the executive branch.

The total headcount of the regulatory body increases from 7 to 9 members.

The KEVR members are elected and dismissed through decisions of Parliament. KEVR members may be nominated by MPs and parliamentary groups.

The KEVR Chair and the KEVR members are elected separately by Parliament.

KEVR members continue to hold office until their successors take up their duties.

The new KEVR panel is elected no earlier than three months and no later than one month before the expiration of the term in office of the existing panel.

Under the newly adopted Energy Act amendments, the energy watchdog brings together two units, including one tasked with energy issues, and one responsible for the water sector.

The two units of KEVR review and decide on issues related to price regulation in the sectors of energy and water supply and sewerage services, as well as on the complaints submitted with the watchdog.

KEVR has both open and closed meetings, depending on whether classified information is discussed.

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