The Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, organized on Wednesday the second working meeting with the representatives of the National Energy Regulatory Authority, Transelectrica and OPCOM, but also with the representatives of the associations of energy producers, distributors and suppliers, in order to analyze and discuss solutions for stabilizing Balancing Market, requested in the meeting a week ago.
“In the context of the recent increases in electricity prices on the Balancing Market, the minister emphasized the importance of a quick and efficient reaction to ensure the stability and proper functioning of the market. This meeting came in continuation of the efforts started on July 4, when the first data and proposals for solutions were requested from all parties involved,” it is mentioned in a press release from the ministry quoted by Agerpres.
Thus, following the meeting, the Ministry of Energy, ANRE and Transelectrica will proceed to the next step and analyze the measures proposed to reduce the risk of instability in the future on the Balancing Market, namely the transparency of transactions, the creation of the legal framework for the establishment of a temporary state of alert on the balancing market and the possibility of establishing the price ceiling mechanism for a period of 3-6 months.
The actions of the Ministry of Energy have the proactive aim of anticipating and eliminating potential risks, the cited source emphasizes.
“Our goal is to maintain balance and stability throughout the energy chain and to protect final consumers. Thus, following the discussions, together with the dialogue partners, we will analyze several proposals to optimize the functioning of the balancing market. However, we must understand a important aspect: in this period, the big projects we are trying to achieve, such as pumped storage hydro plants, gas plants and storage projects, are proving their importance. In my mandate, we managed to move things, that’s why we are glad that the Tarnița – Lăpusteşti project is now on the right track, the gas plant from Iernut has entered the straight line and we have managed to attract billions of euros for investments in new renewable energy production capacities and storage capacities they will create a sustainable framework and ensure fair prices for consumers. In the short term, we will identify the necessary complementary solutions to stabilize the market,” said Sebastian Burduja, quoted in the press release.
At the same time, it is emphasized in the press release, thanks to the current mechanism to protect consumers, price fluctuations will not affect the population’s bills, prices being capped until March 31, 2025. Moreover, the medium and long-term measures aimed at accelerating investments were emphasized in energy production and storage capacities.