New rules for prosumers: Key changes Romanians need to know

Romania has introduced new regulations for over 320,000 prosumers, significantly changing how they manage and are compensated for renewable energy production. Law No. 160/2026, effective July 26, 2026, aims to streamline the process and expand the benefits for individuals and companies generating their own electricity, primarily through photovoltaic systems.

A key change is the shift from a 24-month compensation period for surplus energy to a monthly settlement. This means prosumers will now have their energy production, consumption, and grid delivery calculated each month, eliminating the accumulation of long-term energy credits. This move is expected to provide a more immediate financial return for those who consistently produce more energy than they consume.

Furthermore, the new legislation broadens the utility of surplus energy. Households that use both electricity and natural gas can now potentially use the value of their excess electricity to pay for gas bills. This provision, pending further ANRE (National Energy Regulatory Authority) guidelines, offers a new layer of financial flexibility for consumers. Additionally, prosumers gain the right to use their surplus energy for other consumption points owned by the same individual or entity, such as a different property.

As of March 31, 2026, Romania had 322,001 prosumers, with 289,476 being individuals and 32,525 legal entities. The total installed capacity reached 3,703 MW, with 91,216 prosumers also equipped with storage systems. These figures underscore the rapid growth of prosumerism in the country and its increasing integration into the national energy system. The new rules, while simplifying some aspects, also introduce new obligations, such as paying for grid imbalances, reflecting the evolving dynamics of decentralized energy production.

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Peste 320.000 de prosumatori din România sunt vizați de noile reguli privind producția și valorificarea energiei regenerabile.