The Association of Energy Engineers and Electricians (AIEE) is continuing the “Dispatcher for a Day” initiative, a project that brings young people closer to the professionals who ensure the functioning of the national energy system. After the success of the first edition in the spring, the program expands this fall to two major university centers – Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca – and runs from October 17 to December 6, 2025.
Of the 36 young people who applied, 9 were selected to participate in internships in the dispatching offices of key companies in the sector: Transelectrica, Hidroelectrica, Nova Power & Gas, Enevo Group, Rețele Electrici and Distribuție Energie Electrică Romania (DEER). The launch event took place on Friday, October 17, in the presence of representatives of partner companies, academia and the AIEE team.
“The training of young energeticians must be capitalized on. It is very important to collaborate, to work together, to show young people the secrets of this top profession – a noble, complex profession that requires passion and responsibility,” said Virgiliu Ivan, Director of the National Energy Dispatching Office, guest of honor at the event. He also issued a challenge for the future: “I would like Chisinau to be included in the 3rd edition – young people from the Republic of Moldova deserve to be included and promoted.”
Gabriel Galaczi, Chief Dispatcher for Electricity Networks, spoke about the importance of the job in terms of training: “Dispatching is not just about rules and schemes. It is a character-building activity, it teaches you to follow rules and make decisions. You will be future leaders in the energy sector.” For his part, Septimiu Costea, CEO of Nova Power & Gas, underlined the value of the program: “‘Dispecer for a Day’ is an excellent initiative. Well trained people are behind the energy system. The dispatchers are the spearhead of this system.” For Vasile Băncilă, DEER’s Chief Dispatcher, the work of a dispatcher is “an art, which is learned over time, gives you confidence and shapes you as a human being”. Bogdan Stoenescu, Head of Hidroelectrica’s Dispatching Service, encouraged the young people to take advantage of every professional interaction: “In this project you will meet many specialists. Learn from each of them. I hope to see you as future colleagues.”
From the academic side, Prof. Ion Triștiu, from the Faculty of Energy Engineering – National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, explained that “you cannot be a good dispatcher without a deep understanding of the whole energy system – from power plants to consumers. It is an excellent topic for students and an initiative worth pursuing”.
For Adrian Tudora, ELCEN’s Deputy General Manager, the dispatcher is “an elite professional, able to make quick and safe decisions”. He also invited participants to discover ELCEN’s dispatchers, where they can observe “not only the flow of electricity, but also the flow of heat”.
Diana Iacob, AIEE Career Program Coordinator, spoke about her own journey, “I entered the project with a question – ‘What does a dispatcher do?’ – and I came out trained. I am happy that this project is growing and I encourage you, dear young people, to be curious, open, ask questions.”
In closing, Mircea Bițoiu, President of AIEE, paid tribute to a legendary figure: “It is 100 years since the birth of a lady of Romanian energy – Hermina Albert, the first Chief Dispatcher of the DEN, a model of professionalism and devotion, who inspired generations of energy professionals. Let us not forget the landmarks of this profession.”
Partnering for the future of energy
The first edition of the “Dispatcher for a Day” project, which ran from March 10 to May 10, 2025, gave six young people the chance to learn directly from the dispatchers of major energy companies. Excellent feedback and results have led to the program being expanded this fall with the support of new partners.
The nine young energeticians selected in this edition are Dospra Georgiana, Vasile Constantin, Stefan Sorin, Stefan Sabin, Coca Sabin, Simion Teodora, Miron Andrei, Cseh Robert, Lazea Codruța and Covaci Radu. They will undergo a training period that will allow them to gain an inside understanding of the mechanisms that ensure the safe and continuous functioning of the national energy system.
AIEE would like to thank the partners who made this project possible: Transelectrica, Hidroelectrica, Nova Power & Gas, Enevo Group, Rețele Electrici and Distribuție Energie Electrică Romania (DEER).
About AIEE
The Association of Energy and Electrical Engineers (AIEE) is a nongovernmental, nonprofit, apolitical professional organization founded in 2022. Its mission is to contribute to the development and modernization of the national energy system through the active involvement of electrical and energy engineers. AIEE promotes the principles of sustainable development and provides a professional and social affirmation framework for its members – employees, volunteers, students and collaborators.