Romania Electricity Rates Breach 2 RON/kWh Threshold — NRG-IA

Offers Exceeding 2 RON/kWh upon Recontracting — What Happened Major electricity suppliers have begun sending recontracting offers to residential clients whose contracts are expiring that exceed the threshold of 2 RON/kWh, inclusive of all network tariffs and taxes, according to data published by Economica.net and e-nergia.ro. This price level represents a visible increase compared to previous contract terms and marks the moment when wholesale market tensions hit household energy bills directly. The wave of notifications specifically targets consumers whose fixed-price contract periods have reached maturity. Rather than automatic renewals at rates similar to the past year, suppliers are advancing updated proposals where the active energy component exceeds previously established levels, added to regulated distribution and transmission network tariffs plus applicable taxes. Market sources cited by e-nergia.ro indicate that the number of suppliers adjusting offers above this threshold will grow in the coming period. The first impacted clients are those with expiring 12-month or 24-month fixed contracts, originating from a timeframe when the supply cost structure was significantly different. Passing on Wholesale Increases and Regulated Network Tariffs The price surge in household offers is driven by the combination of elevated wholesale electricity market prices and higher regulated network tariffs. Suppliers recontracting currently calculate their final supply prices based on future energy procurement costs, where trading platform prices have remained elevated. Beyond the commodity procurement cost, the final bill price includes distribution and transmission network tariffs approved by ANRE, as well as legal contributions. With network tariffs adjusted to cover technological losses and grid operator investments, alongside higher wholesale transaction costs, the total sum charged to consumers crosses the 2 RON per kilowatt-hour mark. Suppliers can no longer maintain prices anchored in older procurement deals, forcing them to align commercial offers with current market sourcing costs. This alignment reflects the expiration of volumes contracted at lower historical prices and the purchase of replacement energy on OPCOM spot and forward markets. Impact on Household Bills and Widening Market Disparities For a household with an average monthly consumption of 150 kWh, a final price of 2.05 RON/kWh translates into a monthly bill exceeding 300 RON. A comparison with previous levels shows a substantial increase in electricity expenditure for customers who sign new agreements provided upon the expiration of old contracts. This dynamic creates a clear divide between consumers retaining older active contracts and those forced to recontract at current market prices. Households receiving recontracting notices immediately face the new tariff reality, while others temporarily benefit from previously agreed terms until their respective contracts expire. Moreover, the situation puts pressure on household payment capacity, raising the risk of arrears if consumers do not adjust consumption patterns or seek competitive alternatives in the supply market. What Next: Evaluating Offers and Exercise of Supplier Switching Rights Over the coming period, an increasing number of residential consumers will receive physical or electronic notifications regarding contract expirations and updated supply terms. Consumers have a notice period — typically 30 days — before new rates take effect, during which they can evaluate market alternatives. Romanian legislation guarantees the right of consumers to switch electricity suppliers free of charge within a maximum of 24 working hours from initiating the process. To mitigate price impacts, consumers are advised to check the ANRE price comparator tool to identify competitive offers prior to tacitly or explicitly accepting the new price offered by their incumbent supplier. Tensions in the residential electricity supply market remain high, and price developments over the coming months will depend directly on wholesale transaction dynamics on OPCOM and national grid stability ahead of the cold season.