Power plants with a total installed capacity of up to 10 MW will not need a license for electricity and heat production, according to amendments to Bulgaria's Energy Act passed at second reading by Parliament.

The limit has been increased from the previous capacity of up to 5 MW of total installed capacity.

Besides, the amendments also say that the State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (DKEVR) regulates the methodology for determining access and transmission tariffs via gas transmission or gas distribution grids, as well as the mechanism for determining access and storage tariffs for gas storage depots, according to reports of the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA).

Under the amendments, the DKEVR cannot regulate prices of energy, natural gas and services rendered by energy companies in a competitive environment which allows free bargaining at market conditions.

According to the provisions, the DKEVR has a separate budget which is part of the republican budget and is voted by Parliament.

The Council of Ministers cannot amend the watchdog's draft budget and can only present its stance on the matter in Parliament.