Government maintains energy security mechanism until October 30 / Transelectrica may reduce exports in the event of a crisis

On Thursday, the government approved extending the electricity market safety mechanism until October 30, 2026, amid the risk that the National Power System could face a production shortfall during peak hours.

The measures do not apply automatically. Transelectrica will decide whether they are necessary, depending on changes in consumption and production. As a first step, the company may request an increase in technological reserves and the activation of units held in technical reserve.

If the situation worsens, interconnection capacities for exports may be reduced or cancelled, along with already scheduled energy exchanges. Only as a last resort may the consumption of large industrial operators included in the regulations for crisis situations be limited, in stages. Household consumers are not affected.

Authorities estimate that energy demand could reach 8,000 MW in October during the 18:00–22:00 peak period. Hydropower and photovoltaic production are affected by drought, cloud cover and shorter days, while the restart of a unit at Cernavodă depends on the Danube’s flow rate. Imports could also be limited by the regional energy crisis.