Position of ENERGO-PRO Varna in relation to the allegations of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria Maya Manolova

In connection with the statement of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria Maya Manolova, made to the media in the city of Varna, ENERGO-PRO categorically states that it strictly complies with the current legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria and applies lawful practices that meet the public interest and are at the service of customers.

Electricity distribution companies lose several tens of millions a year from electricity theft. In recent years, ENERGO-PRO has successfully countered not only electricity thieves, but also a group of individuals who, through cession, representation of the dead and other vicious schemes, are trying to drain millions from the company through cases of electricity theft.

We are ready to provide the Ombudsman with detailed information on these cases, which have been duly referred to the competent authorities.

As one of the most significant companies in the country with over 1.1 million customers, thousands of suppliers and contractors and the largest employer in North-East Bulgaria, ENERGO-PRO is a party to thousands of lawsuits for millions of leva in various courts, some of which are in the territory of the city of Varna. The costs of legal protection are commensurate with the volume and quality of the legal work and the material interest.

ENERGO-PRO fully complies with the law, including in disputes through arbitration proceedings, in the presence of an agreed arbitration agreement. Arbitration proceedings are governed by the Law on International Commercial Arbitration, as well as by a number of international and bilateral agreements to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party. None of ENERGO-PRO's companies or its employees can influence the activities of the courts.

The arbitration procedure does not limit the rights of the client to file a complaint with the competent state authorities, including the EBRD and the CPC. Decisions of arbitral tribunals are always subject to subsequent review before the Supreme Court of Cassation of the Republic of Bulgaria.