Romania must double its investments in distribution networks in the coming years to be able to integrate new production capacities, reduce congestion and maintain energy price competitiveness, said Daniela Dărăban, executive director of the Federation of Associations of Energy Utility Companies (ACUE), at the Energy Strategy Summit 2026, organized by Energynomics.

“Romania needs to double the level of investment in the coming years in the distribution networks. I believe that the investments in the networks will bring an optimization of the price. Without investments in the networks we will not see any price reduction”, said Dărăban.

According to her, one of the biggest problems of the energy system is the gap between the pace of development of new production capacities and investments in distribution and transport infrastructure. Dărăban emphasized that the signals sent by investors should be taken more seriously by the authorities, warning that the lack of sufficient investments indicates the existence of problems of regulation, clarity, stability or profitability.

Modernizing networks is essential to integrate renewable energy, reduce losses and manage consumption more efficiently. In his opinion, the costs generated by network congestion are significantly higher than the costs needed to expand and modernize the infrastructure.

Another major obstacle is that the current regulatory framework does not allow for forward-looking investments. Distributors can only invest for firm connection requests and cannot develop infrastructure in advance, even in areas where it is obvious that new consumption needs will arise, such as future highway corridors.

Dărăban also highlighted the role of flexibility in the operation of the energy system, mentioning the contribution of batteries, dynamic tariffs, prosumers and smart metering. She warned, however, that the development of these solutions depends on consistent investments in digitization, automation and smart metering.

In terms of financing, non-reimbursable European funds can cover approximately 20% of the total investment requirement, and distribution operators have submitted projects of over 2 billion euros to the Modernization Fund, but only approximately 1 billion euros have been allocated.

At the same time, Dărăban welcomed the launch of a new financing line for smart meters, worth approximately 100 million euros, appreciating that it will speed up the digitalization process of the networks.

Energy Strategy Summit 2026 was organised by Energynomics, with the support of our partners: Elektra Renewable Support, 4P Renewables, ABB, Alive Capital, Atmoce, Baringa, BCR, Big Store, Capalo AI, CBRE Romania, Distribuție Energie Electrică România, Eastship, Distributie Oltenia parte din Evryo, Eaton Electric, Electrica Furnizare, Electroalfa, Electroprecizia, EnergoBit, Enery, Enexus, Eurowind, Evryo, Exim Banca Romaneasca, Hagag Energy, KStar, LONGi, MBK Power Energy, MET Romania Energy, Monsson Trading, Nextpower, OX2, Romgaz, Schraubram, Sigenergy, Softenerg WEBUS 4 ENERGY, Solar Today, Sunotec, TBEA, Think Blu Solution, Transelectrica, Waldevar Energy, WTW Romania. Coffee Break Partner Enerta. Lanyard Partner Monsson Operation. Beverage Partners Aqua Carpatica, Alexandrion. Digital Partner Imsol. Mobility Partner BlackCab.