started · updated
Romania electricity prices expected to rise by 22%
Electricity and energy prices in Romania are facing significant upward pressure. The Smart Energy Association (AEI) estimates that new 12-month household electricity contracts issued this autumn could see price increases of approximately 22% compared to autumn 2025. This estimate is driven by prolonged market alerts, rising gas price forecasts, and currency fluctuations.
Data from the electricity market operator, OPCOM, shows a sharp rise in Day-Ahead Market (PZU) prices, with averages increasing from 409.45 lei/MWh in 2025 to 793.19 lei/MWh in August 2026, and reaching 917.36 lei/MWh in September 2026. State Secretary Cristian Bușoi has warned that while bills may not double for the same level of consumption, increases of 20-22% are expected for the upcoming winter and spring.
The energy situation is further complicated by the shutdown of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant due to low Danube water levels, which has removed approximately 900 MW from the system. This forces suppliers to purchase electricity from the spot market at much higher rates—sometimes up to double the standard rates during peak hours—to fulfill long-term bilateral contracts, leading to financial losses for providers.
Entities
Asociația Energia Inteligentă · Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant · Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant · Colterm · Constanța port · Cristian Bușoi · Danube River · Fruit Attraction 2026 · Iurie Rija · Moldova · Nuclearelectrica · OPCOM
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There is no immediate risk of electricity shortages in Romania despite market pressures.
- [● 4 SOURCES] AEI estimates electricity prices for new 12-month household contracts could increase by approximately 22% compared to autumn 2025. psnews.ro · www.wowbiz.ro · jurnalul.ro · www.mediafax.ro
- [● 4 SOURCES] The average price on the Day-Ahead Market (PZU) rose significantly in August and September 2026. psnews.ro · jurnalul.ro · www.mediafax.ro · www.wowbiz.ro
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Electricity purchased during peak hours may face prices up to double the standard rates. www.stiripesurse.ro
- [● 2 SOURCES] State Secretary Cristian Bușoi forecasts electricity bill increases of around 20-22% for the upcoming winter and spring. newsweek.ro
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Timișoara officials do not rule out an increase in heating prices due to rising gas costs. www.ziuadevest.ro
- [● 2 SOURCES] The prolonged shutdown of reactors at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant is due to low Danube water levels. capitalul.ro · www.stiripesurse.ro
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Suppliers face financial losses because they must buy energy at higher spot market prices to fulfill long-term contracts. capitalul.ro
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The shutdown of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant is due to low Danube water levels. newsweek.ro