Romania: Government to temporarily limit energy use for large companies

The Romanian government is preparing to implement temporary restrictions on energy consumption for major companies as a contingency measure. Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated that these mandatory limitations will be imposed only if voluntary energy-saving efforts by large consumers fail to ensure the stability of the National Energy System.

Bolojan announced that affected companies will receive a 24-hour notice before any restrictions take effect. This decision comes after extensive government meetings analyzing the energy situation and fuel supply in Romania. The measures are designed to manage peak demand and ensure a consistent energy supply, particularly in light of challenges such as the low water levels in the Danube River impacting the Cernavodă nuclear power plant.

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In the coming days, we will adopt a government decision that implements the mechanism provided by law for situations where voluntary consumption reduction is not sufficient to cover the energy needs during peak hours. Large consumer companies could be notified.

The government is working to extend the operation of Unit 2 at the Cernavodă plant, recognizing that each day of operation contributes vital energy to the national grid. While water levels have stabilized, the situation remains challenging. Additionally, fuel supply has improved, with the OMV refinery operating at full capacity and Petromidia nearing its normal operational capacity.

Discussions with major energy suppliers have also focused on market liquidity and the timely payment of outstanding amounts from compensation schemes. The National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) is expediting permits for new production capacities to come online quickly. Bolojan expressed gratitude to citizens and companies for their voluntary energy conservation efforts, emphasizing that every act of saving energy reduces pressure on the national system.

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Every saving measure contributes to reducing pressure on the energy system.