The document is being discussed after the Ministry of Energy asked the public and businesses to voluntarily reduce energy consumption between 7:00 p. m.
and 11:00 p. m. to ease the strain on the National Energy System.
According to the draft Decision, the Government Decision complies with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2019/941 on risk preparedness in the electricity sector and is based on the provisions of Law No. 123/2012 on Electricity and Natural Gas. According to the legislative act, the plan includes national measures that are planned or have already been implemented to prevent electricity crises and to enhance the authorities’ capacity to respond to situations that may affect the security of energy supply.
According to the government, the document is part of Romania’s obligations under European legislation regarding energy system security and aims to strengthen the preparedness of authorities and operators in the energy sector in the event of risks or crisis situations affecting the electricity supply. The document, which was on the government’s agenda on Thursday, analyzes several scenarios that could affect the electricity supply. These scenarios include: cyberattacks on energy infrastructure, cold snaps, extreme weather events, crises in the supply of fossil fuels, strikes, pandemics, droughts, earthquakes, and military conflicts.
The plan outlines the responsibilities of authorities and energy sector operators in the event of a crisis, including response procedures, consumer protection measures, communication mechanisms, and cooperation with neighboring countries. The decision is being discussed against a backdrop of pressure on the energy system caused by severe drought and low water levels in the Danube, which are affecting hydropower generation.