Ombudsman slams heating fees, demands clarity on new formula

Bulgaria’s national ombudsman says authorities have not resolved how to calculate heating charges for apartment buildings after courts found the existing method violates European Union standards.

Velislava Delcheva said in a television interview that confusion persists following a Supreme Administrative Court decision suspending the current formula. The Court of Justice of the European Union determined that the calculation method fails to show residents clearly what they pay for consumed heat. Delcheva sent correspondence to the energy minister and the heating utility requesting information about plans going forward. A government task force is developing an approach that considers building energy efficiency ratings, though Delcheva noted most structures lack the required technical documentation. She said renovated properties will face reduced charges, while residents must cover costs to obtain technical passports. Officials should provide answers before December when new invoices arrive, Delcheva added, explaining that bills could drop approximately 20 percent if the suspended formula is excluded.

Delcheva said people who challenged the building installation charge through legal action should receive refunds because Bulgarian courts must follow the European tribunal ruling. She added that seniors express concern about euro adoption but stressed that existing contracts convert automatically without requiring new signatures.