The Association of Energy Suppliers in Romania (AFEER) welcomes the initiative of the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) to revise the regulatory framework governing electricity supply and consumer complaint management, but is calling for adjustments to ensure effective and fair implementation.
As ANRE proposes a new mechanism for assessing suppliers' performance, based on an indicator to be published in the form of a color-coded traffic light system — green, yellow and red — AFEER stresses the need for the indicator to accurately reflect supplier performance. The association proposes replacing the current “Customer Satisfaction Index” with a dedicated complaint-handling indicator (IPGR).
This would help prevent misleading interpretations, given that many complaints concern the activities of electricity distribution operators rather than those of suppliers. AFEER also recommends that the assessment take into account only well-founded complaints that are attributable to the supplier, excluding complaints related to distribution operators or other matters outside suppliers' responsibility.
The association also points to the structural differences between suppliers, such as those with large residential customer portfolios and those primarily serving non-residential or industrial customers. AFEER is therefore calling for the new regulation to enter into force only on January 1, 2027, following a 12-month testing and adjustment period.
Regarding automatic consumption notifications, AFEER believes that, although the initiative is welcome, its implementation remains difficult under the current infrastructure. Conventional electricity meters do not allow real-time transmission of consumption data, making the measure challenging to implement until smart metering systems are more widely adopted, particularly in light of plans to modernize the electricity grid by 2028.
AFEER reaffirmed its commitment to working with the authorities to develop a modern, predictable and balanced regulatory framework that protects consumers while supporting the efficient functioning of Romania's energy market.
Mihai VINTILĂ