Building on the “An Informed Consumer Is a Protected Consumer” campaign-launched in 2015-the Association of Energy Suppliers in Romania (AFEER) has introduced ENERGINFO, a cluster dedicated to informing and educating energy consumers. The initiative aims to facilitate access to clear, accurate, and easily understandable information regarding the energy market, consumer rights and obligations, billing, energy efficiency, and new developments within the energy sector.
The ENERGINFO cluster was established by AFEER in collaboration with several of its members, later joined by other participants committed to supporting initiatives focused on informing and educating energy consumers. Through this effort, the participants aim to foster a culture of responsible energy consumption and strengthen dialogue among suppliers, authorities, consumer organizations, civil society, and the academic community.
Consumer information: A priority in an evolving energy market
Legislative and fiscal changes, shifts in energy market conditions, the challenges of the energy transition, and geopolitical developments all impact costs and consumption patterns-often raising questions and, at times, causing confusion among consumers. In this context, access to relevant information-presented in simple, accessible language-becomes essential for making informed decisions. “In an ever-changing energy market, consumers need clear information regarding billing, their rights and obligations, and energy efficiency. Through ENERGINFO, we aim to contribute to a better understanding of the market and to increasing consumer confidence,” stated Laurențiu Urluescu, President of AFEER. Energy education is important not only for understanding utility bills but also for the efficient use of new technologies, such as photovoltaic panels, storage systems, and smart meters. For investments in the digitalization and modernization of the energy system to reach their full potential, consumers must understand how they can monitor and manage their own consumption.
“An informed consumer can become an active partner in managing the energy system. It is important for people to understand how they can use energy efficiently and what benefits new technologies-from smart meters to storage solutions-can offer them,” noted Laurențiu Urluescu, President of AFEER. The ENERGINFO cluster aims to act as a partner to consumers, helping them grasp concepts and terminology specific to the energy sector through practical explanations presented in accessible language. Another key objective is to ensure that vulnerable consumers are well-informed about their rights and the support measures available to them.
ENERGINFO, engaging with young people: a pilot project in six Bucharest high schools
An initial concrete effort toward consumer education took place in six Bucharest high schools, spearheaded by Csilla Lorincz, a member of the ENERGINFO Cluster Coordination Committee. “I initiated this project based on the conviction that developing an ‘energy culture’ must begin as early as possible. Today’s youth will very soon be making their own decisions as consumers; in an increasingly complex sector, it is vital that they understand how energy works and the impact of their choices. The experience from this pilot project demonstrates that there is genuine interest, and I believe it is a model worth continuing and expanding.”
As part of the pilot project, four fourth-year students from the Faculty of Power Engineering at the POLITEHNICA National University of Science and Technology Bucharest delivered interactive presentations to the high school students. These sessions covered key topics such as the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity, as well as the importance of responsible consumption and the efficient use of energy. For her part, Adriana Micșunescu, program coordinator and pilot project manager within the ENERGINFO cluster, highlighted the role of educational projects in bringing the energy sector closer to the general public: “ENERGINFO aims to translate energy-related concepts into information that is easy to understand and apply in everyday life. Through our pilot project in high schools, we have given students the opportunity to discover-via practical examples and interactive presentations-how electricity reaches consumers, what efficient consumption entails, and how they can make responsible choices. We hope that such initiatives will continue and reach as many young people as possible.”
Partnership between industry and academia
To support the development of energy education initiatives and the engagement of future specialists, ENERGINFO has entered into a collaboration agreement with the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest-specifically with its Faculty of Power Engineering-regarding the implementation of student internships.
This collaboration fosters a stronger link between academia and the energy sector, offering students the opportunity to apply their specialized training to activities that have a direct impact on the community.
ENERGINFO aims to contribute to the efforts of authorities to ensure the proper, competitive functioning of the market and to protect consumer rights. Achieving these objectives requires cooperation among suppliers, public institutions, non-governmental organizations, consumer associations, and the academic community.
Through its projects, the cluster seeks to develop information and education initiatives tailored to various consumer groups, enabling them to better understand the energy market, become aware of their rights and obligations, and use energy in a responsible and efficient manner.