The electricity distribution companies in Pleven and Sofia will request a 6.9 per cent price increase for all consumers, representatives of the Czech energy company CEZ said.

CEZ is the majority owner of the electricity companies in the two cities, mediapool.bg reported.

If the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC) approves the increase, the new prices will become valid on October 1.

The funds collected through the higher prices will be used for infrastructure maintenance, CEZ representatives said.

Industrial electricity consumers will pay 100 leva monthly maintenance fee. The price increase for them will reach 19.4 per cent.

Due to changes in the Bulgarian law CEZ has to differentiate the activities of its companies, which will also increase expenses. Two types of companies will replace the current ones. The first type will provide electricity and the second type will be responsible for distribution and the electric network.

To differentiate the companies CEZ will need nearly 328 million leva, company representatives said.