Engie Romania notified the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) at the end of October regarding the waiver of the status of supplier of last resort (FUI), starting with December 15, 2021.

According to a reply from the company, the decision to withdraw was taken in view of the unprecedented evolution of natural gas prices and the context of uncertainty generated by the impossibility of anticipating the takeover of customers of these suppliers and ensuring the necessary quantities of gas for them, according to Agerpres.

In just two weeks, Engie Romania took over approximately 20,000 customers from the portfolio of three suppliers, who gave up the natural gas supply license.

“Besides the operational effects generated by the takeover of these customers, the support scheme recently entered into force creates major financial imbalances for the company. The current capping mechanism provided by Law 259/2021 does not ensure full recovery of real acquisition costs of Engie Romania because it is taken considering the average purchase price applicable between April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022 and not the market price at which we purchase the gas,” say the company’s representatives.

They add that they understand the current difficult context and want to have a prudent and responsible approach, which will ensure the continuity of the natural gas supply of the Engie Romania portfolio, of some 1.9 million customers.

“Engie Romania is in constant dialogue with the relevant authorities to find the best solutions for defining the conditions applicable to suppliers of last resort for all parties involved and for the benefit of customers,” the company’s response reads.