Electricity market pressured, new unpaid receivable fears

Electricity suppliers fear the emergence of a new wave of unpaid receivables over the next couple of months as an increasing number of consumers, pressured by sharply higher energy prices, are applying for installment-based payback arrangements and delaying payments.

A clearer picture on the energy crisis’ impact on the unpaid receivables figures of suppliers will emerge by the end of February, when payment records for consumption over the four-month period covering October to January will have been established.

Government compensation payments to suppliers for electricity subsidies offered to consumers, in an effort to ease the cost burden, have been slow, which, combined with delayed payments of electricity bills by consumers, has led to a cash-flow squeeze for suppliers.

Many consumers in both the household and business categories, whose energy costs this January roughly doubled compared to a year ago, are only partially covering electricity bill amounts. Energy costs for bakeries, specifically, have increased more than fivefold compared to a year earlier.