The transition from the current 60-minute intervals to 15-minute intervals follows the framework of the EU Single Day-Ahead Coupling (SDAC) and aligns the Bulgarian market with the wider European practice.
From 1 October 2025, the Independent Bulgarian Energy Exchange (IBEX) introduces 15-minute Market Time Units (MTUs) in its Day-Ahead Market (DAM), marking a major development for electricity trading on this market segment. The transition from the current 60-minute intervals to 15-minute intervals follows the framework of the EU Single Day-Ahead Coupling (SDAC) and aligns the Bulgarian market with the wider European practice.
At European level, SDAC ensures the efficient allocation of cross-border transmission capacity by coupling the day-ahead electricity markets of participating countries into a single pan-European market. Earlier in 2025, the Market Coupling Steering Committee confirmed that all markets are ready for the transition, with the go-live date set for the trading day of 30 September 2025 (delivery on 1 October 2025).
At national level, the Bulgarian regulatory framework has already been amended. The IBEX Operational Rules were revised, providing that each delivery day comprises of 96 consecutive 15-minute intervals (Article 111). The introduction of 15-minute products on IBEX will occur on the same date as their introduction within SDAC.
The move to 15-minute intervals has several practical benefits for market participants:
This change may also affect contractual arrangements, including financial instruments such as SWAPs that reference the IBEX DAM hourly price.
For further guidance on the regulatory implications of this change, you may contact our Energy & Infrastructure team.
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