The compensation-clapification scheme can no longer be supported in the energy sector

The executive director of the Federation of Associations of Energy Utility Companies (Acue), Daniela Dărăban, stressed, in a specialized debate, the problems faced by the Romanian energy sector and their approach. Dărăban has drawn attention to the fact that the current compensation-clamping scheme of prices can no longer be supported by the supply sector, having a limited impact in support of those who really need help.

« Today we do not help those who need it, but we help them all, with few exceptions. We have a capped price for almost 7.5 million customers of almost nine million, » explained Dărăban. According to her, the distribution of aid to such a large number of people does not allow the efficient allocation of resources for those with low incomes, who are in a vulnerable situation. She appealed for an approach to take into account the income of the customers and allow the direct help to those who really need.

Another topic brought into question was the measure recently introduced, by which the suppliers receive an advance of 40% of the funds for the compensation of the prices. However, Dărăban stated that this advance represents, in fact, the payment of the outstanding debts accumulated by the state towards the suppliers, without really solving the problem in the sector. « We are talking about 40% advance from a historical debt, » said Dărăban, emphasizing that, although the measure was positively greeted in Romania, its effects could lead to reluctance from the suppliers and a more reserved approach to the provision of services.

In the long term, the ACUE representative mentioned that a sustainable final price for energy in Romania cannot be set without significant investments in the energy infrastructure. It emphasized the importance of modernizing networks and implementing technologies that allow the more efficient management of energy surplus, especially in the context in which Romania faces a considerable investment request.

« If we do not understand that we have to decide today to invest in infrastructure, we will not reach a sustainable final price. We have independent evaluations and we can put solutions on the table, but the problem remains the same: there are not sufficient investments in this sector, » added Dărăban. It also pointed out that the profitability rates of the capital invested in the field are below the level necessary to attract investments, which can lead to the development of the development of the energy infrastructure in Romania.