EP North's position on request for penalties for lack of power supply
The unprecedentedly deteriorated weather situation in recent days caused both a number of inconveniences for customers and numerous damages to the electricity distribution network in North-East Bulgaria. The serious accidents at the facilities were the result of circumstances beyond the control of the network operator. ERP North operates according to the General Terms and Conditions approved by EWRC, where the rights and obligations of both parties — customers and network operator — are listed in detail. As a public interest company and in accordance with our publicly known obligations, each claim for compensation or penalty is dealt with individually and depending on the specific circumstances and regulatory requirements.
Last weekend we saw a third sharp deterioration in the weather, which caused emergency situations in a large part of the territory of the ERP North and added an extreme strain on the company's employees. A number of villages have declared a state of emergency and urged people not to go out. Employees of the company were severely hampered by the lack of access to areas without electricity due to closed roads and uncleaned roads. The impassable roads slowed down the ERP North teams in locating the accidents and made it difficult to access problem areas of the network. There were also numerous accidents on the high voltage power grid operated by ESO, which directly cut off the power supply to the medium and low voltage facilities of EPR North. In this critical situation for the distribution company and customers, all the teams on duty were in the field and worked overtime and in the dark hours of the day in the conditions of violent wind gusts, snowdrifts, glaciations and heavy rains in places in order to restore the power supply in the affected areas.
At this complex and demanding a quick and adequate response, the company was subject to sharp criticism from representatives of state institutions, local government and public organizations, as well as pressure to pay compensation. The adequate preparation of the facilities for operation in adverse climatic conditions was questioned. At the same time, the restoration of the facilities due to the disaster would not have been possible if the company did not have the teams, equipment and available materials necessary for a timely response. EPR North strictly implements its investment program, and for this year it even exceeded the funds invested in it, and for the new regulatory period it will be increased by 25%. As a licensed company, we have been repeatedly vetted by all regulatory bodies and MEs, we have always complied with our regulatory obligations without fail.
The electricians of the company worked for days in extremely harsh conditions and did their best to ensure timely power supply in the disaster areas, and work continues until now for single signals in places. The main priority of Elektrodistribuenie Sever has always been and remains the provision of uninterrupted power supply to its customers. The Company will continue to comply with its licensing, legal and regulatory obligations.
