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Electricity & gas · Bulgaria
Checked 2026-09-27

📟 Smart meter in Bulgaria: do I have to accept one?

The short answer

A smart meter sends readings automatically, so your bill is based on real use. Whether you can refuse one differs per country.

📜 The rules in Bulgaria

Smart meter

Under the Energy Act, where smart meters are not being rolled out systematically, you may ask your grid company to install one at your own cost. You must be told its functions and costs, and it must be installed within 4 months of your request.

Official source: dv.parliament.bg · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check the letterWho installs it, the grid operator or the supplier, and when?
  2. Know your rightsSee below what the rules in Bulgaria are on the rollout and on refusing.
  3. Protect your dataAsk what data is collected and how often. You can usually see your own use online.
  4. Report problemsIf the meter seems wrong, ask the grid operator for a meter test.

📇 Who to contact

Електроразпределителни мрежи Запад (ЕРМ Запад) — Западна България (вкл. София)Runs the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 0700 10 010🔗 ermzapad.bg/bg/contacts
Електроразпределение Юг (EVN) — Югоизточна БългарияRuns the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 0700 1 0007🔗 www.elyug.bg/SpecialPages/ND_FAQ.aspx
Електроразпределение Север (Energo-Pro) — Североизточна БългарияRuns the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 0700 161 61🔗 www.erpsever.bg/bg/kontakti
Комисия за енергийно и водно регулиране (КЕВР)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 (+3592) 988 24 98🔗 www.dker.bg
Комисия за защита на потребителите (КЗП)Independent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 kzp.bg

❓ Questions

Does a smart meter cost extra?

The costs are usually part of the network charges. Some countries charge people who refuse.

Is my data safe?

Meter data is protected by data-protection law, and you decide who else may see detailed data.

What if the readings look wrong?

Ask the grid operator to check the meter.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→

More help in Bulgaria

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