Electricity distribution company EVN Bulgaria will submit to the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC) a request for a 6.29 per cent electricity price increase by the end of April.

The price change will be valid starting October 1 2007 at the latest, EVN said as quoted by Focus news agency.

EVN envisions household electricity prices to increase by 6.45 per cent. Companies using low voltage electricity will have to pay additional 8.78 per cent and companies using regular voltage will pay 2.20 per cent more.

The average monthly bill of household consumers reached 13.90 leva, VAT not included. If the price hike is approved, the bills will increase by 0.90 leva per month.

EVN connects the price increase to the company's investment in improving the quality of electricity provision network and services in an attempt to meet the European quality standards.