Cristian Bușoi announces a significant increase in energy prices, but for now rules out a 50% rise

The price of electricity will increase significantly, but the data currently available do not indicate a 50% increase, Cristian Bușoi, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Energy, said on Wednesday, October 7, on Digi24. He stated that the shutdown of the two reactors at Cernavodă and the high price of natural gas in Europe are putting pressure on the market, without Romania being at risk of running out of energy.

According to the official, the two reactors will not be restarted until mid-October, and approximately 900 MW must be replaced through purchases on the Day-Ahead Market and through imports, especially during peak hours. Prices can sometimes be twice as high as those available when the Cernavodă plant is operating.

Bușoi assured that the regional market is stable and that limiting the consumption of large industrial operators is not being considered. Imports ranged between 1,200 and 3,500 MW, depending on wind power generation, with maximum capacity being approximately 4,000 MW.

The authorities are preparing investments in batteries and new production capacities. The Iernut plant is expected to start producing energy in the first quarter of next year. At present, there is no discussion of increasing the 50-leu aid for vulnerable consumers, although they would be the first targeted by any potential support measures.