The Minister of Economy Alexandru Petrescu warns that the period of risk in the energy sector is not finished yet, as new episodes of frost are expected, and the high prices on the stock exchange from this period will be reflected in the consumers invoice.

“The impact is always reflected in the final invoice for the consumers. What is important for us is that, in these times of crisis, to make a review of how we got here. If, from the perspective of the two transport operators, Transgaz and Transelectrica, we did a good job and we have ensured the integrity of both areas, the storage policy or the lack of coherence within the policy last summer, with impact this winter, maybe brought us into an area of higher than usual risk”, said the minister.

He stressed out that the critical period has not finished, as new episodes of frost are expected.

“Once we get by this period of risk, which is not over, I understood that there will be other cold weather episodes, so once we pass this period, we already have to establish a very clear policy regarding the stock for the winter period ahead”, said Alexandru Petrescu.

As the energy prices on the OPCOM”s spot market exceeded, on Thursday, 600 lei per MWh, which is an absolute record – the level was double compared to those recorded at the beginning of the year – , the energy consumption also reached record levels of over 9.000 MW, this month.

At his turn, the Minister of Energy Toma Petcu said on January 12th that he noticed a bad preparation for the winter period made by the former government, and added that he have asked the Control Body to perform checks in this connection at the Hunedoara and Oltenia energy complexes, and at the Ministry of Energy.

“These days I noticed a poor preparation for the winter period from the previous government. First of all, the stocks of coal at the power plants. Here I would mention CE Oltenia, where we currently have 357.000 tons. With a daily consumption on peak of 80.000 tons, we would ensure a functioning period of only four days. At CE Hunedoara, we have currently in stock 30.000 tons. With a daily consumption of 6.100 tonnes per day, this means an operation period of up to four days”, said Petcu, during a Government meeting.