Electrica to invest 689 million RON in distribution networks in 2022

Distributie Energie Electrica Romania, part of the Electrica Group, one of the 6 major national electricity distribution network operators, has an investment plan for 2022 worth 689 million RON, for the modernization and development of the electricity distribution system. The main directions aim at parameters of continuity and quality in power supply, energy efficiency and reduction of network losses; operational efficiency, and thus, reduction of maintenance costs.

For the medium term, the company plans to modernize the network infrastructure, accelerate digitization, develope alternative channels for user interactions, and create a modern work environment for employees, by implementing the concept of Digital Distribution. In the long run, the company’s projects are geared towards the concept of smart grid, in line with industry trends.

Recently, the company signed a contract for the implementation of an Intelligent Electricity Distribution System for the entire network in the 18 counties, with the consortium Cuculus GmbH, Elsaco Solutions and Simetrix Solution. The contract, valued at over 78.6 million RON, includes the implementation of the Cuculus ZONOS IoT Platform for MDC (Meter Data Collection) and MDM (Meter Data Management), as well as a wide range of adjacent services, including operations for the entire distribution network, time for eight years.

In 2021, Distributie Energie Electrica Romania made investments amounting to 549 million RON. The main benefits of these investments have been to improve the quality of the distribution service and increase operational efficiency by modernizing, automating facilities, implementing modern technologies and increasing energy efficiency by reducing network losses.

Following the merger of the Transylvania North Electricity Distribution Company, the Transylvania South Electricity Distribution Company and the Muntenia Nord Electricity Distribution Company, on January 1, 2021, Distributie Energie Electrica Romania was born. The new company serves approximately 3.9 million users, covering 40.7 percent of Romania’s territory, with a network of 201,082 km, in the following 18 counties: Satu Mare, Maramures, Bihor, Salaj, Bistrita-Nasaud, Cluj, Alba, Mures, Harghita, Sibiu, Brasov, Covasna, Vrancea, Galati, Buzau, Braila, Prahova and Dambovita.

After the listing in 2014, the Electrica Group became the largest investor in the modernization and refurbishment of electricity distribution networks, with a total of over 4.7 billion RON invested during 2014-2021.