Electricity and gas suppliers came in at the beginning of March with more offers than last month, according to the limits set by the state. Regarding gas, for example, there are companies that supply at a price 33% lower than the maximum price. Despite this, the Ministry of Energy insists on preserving the limit-compensation scheme and has even circulated a project according to which the deadline can be extended from March 31, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

The first month when energy and gas suppliers came in with offers below the ceiling prices was February, but the number was small.

In early March, companies lowered their rates even further, according to ANRE website comparator data analyzed by HotNews.ro.

As for gas, there are 26 offers aimed at residential consumers, all of which are below the state-imposed ceiling of 0.31 lei per kWh. The cheapest is 33% below the ceiling (0.21 lei/kWh).

There are three consumption thresholds for electricity.

For low consumption, below 100 kWh, there are no offers below the ceiling of 0.68 lei/kWh, but there are 29 offers at this price.

For average consumption between 100 and 255 kWh, there are three offers below the ceiling of 0.8 lei/kWh and 15 offers equal to the ceiling.

Those who consume more than 300 kWh have 10 offers below the ceiling (1.3 lei/kWh) and 36 flat ceilings.

The government wants to keep the restriction compensation scheme for another year

Energy Minister Sebastien Bourduilla said at the ZF Power Summit last week that the cap offset scheme will run until March 31, 2025.

“We are in dialogue with the Commission – there was also Ms. Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director of Energy – and at least this year we manage to stay within these parameters until March 2025, as provided by the current legislation, after which we have to prepare this period ( abandoning the restriction scheme – no) and we will do it step by step, transparently and in full consultation with all people in the energy system. Yes, until 2025 is a long time, at the same time, it is not much,” said the minister, quoted by Agerpres.

He added that discussions have begun regarding the preparation of a gradual transition to a more competitive market.

Also, these days, a project has spread in the public space, according to which it is planned to extend the scheme until March 31, 2026, InvesTenergy.ro reports.

Asked whether an extension of the cap scheme to 2026 was under consideration, Burduja said it would be difficult to argue before the European Commission.

The European Commission is analyzing the legality of the energy price capping scheme in Romania

According to a response sent by Brussels to a request from HotNews.ro a month ago, the European Commission has drawn attention to a scheme to limit the compensation of electricity and natural gas bills in Romania.

“The commission is analyzing the problem and is in contact with the Romanian authorities to better understand the scheme. As a general principle, the price interventions of the member states must comply with the rules of the EU energy market,” answered the representative of the Commission.

This is in conditions when prices across Europe are at the level before the energy crisis, and our country is the only one that still provides subsidies.

In addition, under Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854, governments can set regulated prices below costs and for firms only until 31 December 2023.

Authorities in Brussels are now trying to understand why the government in Bucharest wants to keep the scheme until 2025.

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