Modernizing the electricity distribution infrastructure is essential for investments in renewables to be effective, warns Mihaela Suciu, CEO of Distribuție Energie Electrică România (DEER).
“If the energy distribution system—which is the backbone of Romania’s energy sector—is not modernized and we lack the capacity to absorb the energy produced by prosumers and producers, it’s all for nothing,” Suciu stated at the Energy Strategy Summit 2026, organized by Energynomics.
She explained that the distribution system was designed for a different reality, in which energy flowed from a few large producers to the end user through a simple and predictable chain. Today, hundreds of thousands of prosumers and thousands of producers feed energy into the same grids, without the infrastructure having been adapted for this bidirectional flow.
The company is currently implementing projects worth over 450 million euros from the Modernization Fund. Suciu admits that the amount is insufficient, and results will not be visible until 2027–2028. DEER has built up a broad portfolio of projects ready for any available funding stream, including from the PNRR, and ranks among the most active distributors in terms of signed contracts.
A separate issue is digitization beyond smart meters. The costs for a flexible and fully digitized network are significantly higher than those currently recognized by ANRE in distribution tariffs, and without recognition of these expenses and without external sources of non-reimbursable funding, investments in software and automation remain stalled. Suciu noted that the central goal is modernization without passing costs on to the end consumer.
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.