COMPETITION COUNCIL COMPLETES STUDY ON CONNECTION OF HOUSEHOLD CUSTOMERS TO ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

The competition authority completed the study on the connection of household customers to
electricity distribution networks, after receiving and analysing the opinion of the Romanian
Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE).
According to the study, between 2018 and 2022, the number of household customers’
connections to the energy distribution networks increased, with operators allocating more
important funds both for the connection of new consumers and for the expansion of
electricity networks of public interest. This increase in activity occurred following the
implementation of the provisions under which the costs of connection were borne by the
distribution system operators.
However, there were also malfunctions in the connection process mainly due to frequent
changes in the legislation, which forced distribution system operators to reorganise their
activity repeatedly. In addition, the average annual duration of the connection process
increased by about 30%.
In the study, the competition authority also identified some barriers to the connection
process. One of these concerns the difficulties encountered by end-users in fully
understanding the connection activity, which is a complex one, which involves going through
many technical procedures.
In addition, if during the period between the first half of 2020 and the second half of 2021,
the legislation provided for the payment by the distribution system operators of the
connection costs, the current regulations provide that the applicant (household consumer) is
obliged to bear the actual value of the design and execution works of the connection, being
compensated by the operator only within the limit of the average value of a branch, a value
established by ANRE.
In conclusion, there is a need to ensure a clear and predictable legal framework in which the
actors concerned by potential changes are consulted. Also, the Competition Council considers
that the elaboration of a code of best practices in the user connection activity may lead to the
reduction of some deadlines within the connection process.
The study on the activity of connecting household customers to electricity distribution
networks can be consulted on the institution’s website: www.consiliulconcurentei.ro.

11.01.2024 / Editor, Andreea Dragan

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