Parliament approved on first reading amendments to its Energy Act in compliance with EU requirements. The amendments introduce the EU regulations in the area of internal markets of electricity and natural gas, known as the third energy liberalization package, Parliament said in a statement published on its website on Thursday. They envisage strengthening of the powers of the market regulator, the State Energy and Water Regulatory Committee.
The amendments also introduce two new entities - "independent transmission operator" and "supplier of last resort". The suppliers of last resort will provide electricity to customers who are purchasing energy at unregulated prices and are not present on the open market, or have been present on the open market but have no electricity provider.
Bulgaria had to bring its legislation in line with the EU energy liberalization package by last March and infringement procedures were launched against the country in September.