Members of ACUE, a Federation of Energy Utilities Companies, require the National Regulatory Authority for Energy (ANRE) to cancel immediately the Order no. 146/2014 on the establishment of the regulated rate of return (RRR), the Federation said in a statement.

The change “significantly affects investments in distribution, impedes increasing operational efficiency and the quality of customer service”, says ACUE.

From 1 January 2015, the RRR was lowered to 7.7% for power distribution network operators and ACUE argues that financial profitability will decrease by 12%, disturbing the current investment plans.

Companies go to court

“Given this situation, several ACUE Federation member companies have already decided to go to court to cancel the Order and methodology in question. However, ACUE members reaffirm their full readiness to discuss with the regulator to find solutions so that the activity of distribution operators and their ability to invest to be unaffected, for the benefit of all stakeholders: shareholders, regulators, retailers and, especially, customers”, says ACUE the press release.

Sources from energy distribution market recently confirmed for energynomics.ro that Enel, CEZ, Transgaz, Transelectrica and Fondul Proprietatea have filed or will file such a requirement in Romanian courts.

According to portal.just.ro, Fondul Proprietatea and CEZ Distribuție already made this request in section VIII of the Administrative and Fiscal section from Bucharest Appeal Court. In addition, Enel has confirmed for energynomics.ro that the dispute between the company and ANRE on this topic has been moved to court.