Updated last 26.03.2021
This section provides the following information:
General information
The gas supply system is split into two networks and paragraph 1, points 8 and 9 of the Additional Provisions of the Energy Act (EA) provide definition thereto:
With regard to the connection to the gas distribution network, more detailed regulation is included in Ordinance No. 4 of 5 November 2013 on the connection to the gas transmission and gas distribution networks, issued by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) (the “Ordinance”).
Who can connect and who can offer the service?
The owners and the persons to whom material right to construction or right to use a property is established may connect to the gas supply network. The gas supply service is provided by the respective network operators.
The connection procedure may be initiated by any natural person or legal entity in the following cases:
The connection procedure starts with the submission of an application to the respective operator of gas distribution network. Information on licensed gas distribution operators is available on the website of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC).
What is the connection procedure?
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Filing an application to connect to the gas distribution network |
The contents of the application for connection of a site of a trader or a legal entity to the gas distribution network is set out in art. 32, para. 1 of the Ordinance, and para. 2 provides information as to the set of documents that have to be attached to the application:
Within the phase of investment designing and permission of construction, on the grounds of art. 140а of the Spatial Development Act (SDA), the applicant may, together with the application for a design permit, request to be provided at the same time with the output data necessary for the design and for the connection to the technical infrastructure networks by the respective operating companies, on the basis of its described investment intention. In such case, the output data and terms of connection to the networks provided by the gas distribution operator, shall be enclosed to the design permit issued pursuant to art. 140а, para. 6 of the SDA.
Where connection of a respective industrial or building gas installation in sites constructed according to the output data provided as per art. 140а, para. 4 of the SDA is requested, the application has to be submitted pursuant to art. 35c (In Bulgarian: 35в) of the Ordinance, and it has to be accompanied by the same documents as those related to the application under art. 32, para. 2 of the Ordinance (as described above).
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Survey and providing a written opinion as to the terms and conditions for the connection of the site |
Pursuant to art. 34 of the Ordinance, once the application under art. 32 of the Ordinance is filed, the gas distribution network operator carries out a survey of the conditions for the connection and draws up a written opinion in respect to the terms and conditions for the connection of the site to the gas distribution network. The opinion sets out:
Pursuant to art. 35e (in Bulgarian: 35д) of the Ordinance, once the application under art. 35c (In Bulgarian: 35в) of the Ordinance is filed, carries out a survey of the conditions for connection of the site to the gas distribution network, including with regard to the compliance of the constructed site with the output data provided as per art. 140а, para. 4 of the SDA, and draws up written opinion, in which the terms and parameters specified above are set out.
Within 20 working days as of the filing of the connection application, the gas distribution network operator carries out the survey and notifies in writing the applicant for the results thereof, and provides either a consent for the connection, or refusal with stated reasoning. The notification is made by mail by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt or at the e-mail address provided by the applicant.
Art. 30, para 1 of the Ordinance provides information for the cases, including cases where a design permit under art. 140а, para. 6 of the SDA has entered into force, when the gas distribution network operator may refuse to connect an applicant, namely:
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Conclusion of connection agreement |
The connection agreement is signed on the grounds of the connection survey caried out as per art. 34 or art. 35e (in Bulgarian: 35д) of the Ordinance.
In the case where the connection is based on a design permit under art. 140а, para. 6 of the SDA, which has entered into force, the connection agreement shall be signed no later than one year after the entry into force of the design permit, provided that the respective person has submitted for coordination and approval the investment designs within the same period.
In case of refusal to connect pronounced by the specific operator, the applicant may appeal this decision before the EWRC.
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Construction of the gas distribution facility |
Important to know |
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The construction of your own installations, which are to be connected to the gas distribution network, is your obligation and will be at your expense, while you have the right to select the designer and the contractor that will build the gas installation. You can also assign these activities to your natural gas supplier. |
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Supply of natural gas |
The gas installation of the customer is fed with natural gas under the following conditions set out in art. 39, para 2 of the Ordinance:
Fee |
The fees for the various stages throughout the procedure for connection to the gas distribution network is specific for each operator providing the service. |
Term |
Many of the deadlines in the procedure for connection to the gas distribution networks are set in the connection agreement and by the specific operator. |
For more information |
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More information is available on the website of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission. |