Bulgaria is undoubtedly a beautiful country with a lot to offer in terms of living costs, attractions, culture and more. The authentic culture and access to quality education can entice anyone to move to the country. Besides, Bulgaria is generally very accepting of foreigners so you can expect to meet very friendly people. However, as a new arrival, you are probably wondering what to include in your list of priorities. One thing to consider is the weather.
Bulgaria is widely known for its solid winter and summers. Thus, you will need to get your electricity and heating up and running as soon as you settle. It will be no trouble finding a supplier since the market is highly regulated. The bad news is that you’ll only find a few players so your choices might be limited.
Overview of Heating and Electricity in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, the household energy consumption mostly consists of heating. Most households use electricity and gas to keep their homes warm. So you will not have any trouble finding a supplier. The standard electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC with a frequency of 50 hertz. If you prefer a higher or lower voltage, you can always get a transformer or adapter. However, I believe the standard supply should be adequate for you.
As of the end of 2021, electricity in Bulgaria was going for $0.123 per kWh for most households. This costs accounts for all electricity components including the cost of power, distribution and taxes. This is fairly cheap depending on where you are moving from. However, heating and electricity is an essential part of living in Bulgaria so be sure to prioritize it in your budget.
Electricity and Heating Suppliers in Bulgaria
Most homes in Bulgaria are already connected to the electricity distribution grid. However, as a new tenant, you must apply for a connection from one of the available suppliers. You can visit the customer service center of your preferred supplier to complete an application. Like I mentioned earlier, Bulgaria does not have as many suppliers as other countries. Therefore, choosing the best supplier will not be as time consuming.
Most large suppliers will ask you to produce identification documents such as a passport or an ID card. They’ll also need proof of residence through tenant contract or the likes so make sure you have one. I also recommend getting a local bank account because some suppliers will need these details. Bank payments are the safest and easiest payment method when it comes to your utility bills. So, it won’t hurt to get one even if your supply has other payment methods.
If you are reading this article because you have recently acquired a new property that is not connected to the electricity network, then it will be different. For instance, you must send a “request for survey of the conditions for connecting a facility to the electricity distribution network” to the supplier. Subsequently, the supplier will ask you to submit a “request for signing a connection contract”. They will then have to sign a “contract for sale of electricity”.
CEZ Bulgaria
CEZ is one of the most popular suppliers you will encounter in Bulgaria. If you choose them then you can expect your meter to be read every three months. So don’t be surprised to find an employee at your door asking to read your meter. Similarly, you will receive an electricity bill four times a year by post.
It’s important to record your meter readings each time your supplier sends a bill to keep track of your usage and payment. The bill usually contains information that also includes payment deadlines and when your meter will be read next. The good thing about this company is that you can pay your bill monthly to prevent it from accumulating. The payments are made through monthly instalments calculated on an individual basis. So your general and monthly consumption really matters.
ENERGO-PRO (previously E.ON Bulgaria)
This is your go-to supplier if you live within Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Razgrad, Ruse, Silistra, Targovishte and Shumen. When you subscribe to their services, they give you a meter reading plan. Oftentimes, the plan will detail the specific dates the supplier will take meter readings. These readings will be done monthly which I find very convenient since it means you can pay your bills every month.
ENERGO-PRO has various payment methods. However, it’s unique because it allows its customers to pay at the cash desk of their customer service centre. In which case you will be given a receipt that includes the next meter reading and payment date. Other payment methods accepted by the company include direct bank debit, ePay.bg, Trans card (payment card), local Post Office and bank transfer.
EVN Bulgaria
EVN, like ENERGO-PRO, expects its subscribers to pay electricity bills every month. So you can expect them to read your meter every month. It also calculates electricity bills according to individual consumption. Your monthly invoice will include details of the next time they will read your meter and the deadline for making payment. Their preferred payment methods include paying at the company’s cash desk, direct bank debit, ePay.bg, Transcard (payment card), cashpoint/ATM machine and bank transfer.
