Electrica, Total Investments of Over RON 4.2bln in Recent Years
Electricity distribution companies within Electrica Group have made investments of over RON 4.2 billion over the past few years, the most ambitious program so far. Last year, Distributie Energie Electrica Romania (DEER) made investments at a rate of 100.5% compared to plans approved by ANRE. Therefore, the total value of investments made and already commissioned was RON 596 million, compared to 593 million planned (RON 202 million in North Muntenia area, 190 million in North Transylvania area and 204 million in South Transylvania area).
Total investments assumed and made by electricity distribution companies within Electrica Group during 2018-2020 exceeded the value of RON 2 billion, representing by far the largest investments of distribution operators. Moreover, after the listing in 2014, Electrica Group became the largest investor in the upgrading and retrofitting of electricity distribution networks, with a total of over RON 4.2 billion invested during 2014-2020.
The most important investments targeted the improvement of quality of the distribution service and increasing operational efficiency, by modernization, automation of installations, implementation of modern technologies and increasing the energy efficiency by reducing network losses.
The record investments made in recent years have led to an improvement of key quality indicators of the electricity distribution service.
Therefore, one of the most important investment works in Cluj County is the upgrading of Nadas 110/20/10kV substation, commissioned in in 1978. Here, 4 cells of 110 kV, 27 medium voltage cells, protection and automation equipment at the station level were modernized and the new equipment was integrated in the SCADA system. From this station, through 10 kV and 20 kV electricity distribution networks, household, commercial and industrial consumers from the city of Cluj-Napoca are supplied. The investment was completed on 25.08.2020 and the value of works was RON 8.21 million.
Another investment work was made in Mures County, in Corunca 110/6 kV substation. The investment made increased the safety in electricity supply to users and increased the capacity of connection of new users, the locality of Corunca being in continuous development. The value of works performed was RON 7.3 million.
Another important investment project of modernization and SCADA system integration was carried out in Satuc 110/20 kV substation, in Buzau County. The Satuc 110/20 kV substation was commissioned in 1975 and serves both industrial and household consumers in the northern part of Buzau County. Given the wear and tear of power equipment and the fact that the development of the service area has led to increased electricity consumption, it was necessary to modernize the substation, so as to ensure safety standards in operation and increase efficiency in electricity supply to consumers. The investment amounted to RON 9.17 million.
For 2021, the investments planned from own sources total around RON 639 million planned expenses, of which approximately 28% are aimed at energy efficiency works, 22% at works for the improvement of the quality of the distribution service (supply continuity and quality of energy) and 27% works for creating the conditions for connecting consumers.
Moreover, compared to the approved annual investment plan, each distribution operator has the legal obligation to finance the installations for connecting household consumers and non-household end-customers whose connection installation is less than 2,500 meters.
For medium term, the company plans, in addition to continuation of modernization of network infrastructure, to accelerate digitization, develop alternative channels for interaction with users and create a modern working environment for employees, by implementing the concept of Digital Distribution. In the long run, company’s projects aim at focusing on the smart grid concept, in line with trends in the industry.
