APCE: Ordinance on Energy Communities, a Progressive Legislative Act Adopted in Romania

The Association of Prosumers and Energy Communities in Romania (APCE) considers Emergency Ordinance No. 59/2025 to be probably the most progressive piece of legislation ever adopted in the field of energy in Romania. By transposing the European Directive RED III, this legislative act brings the most comprehensive and favourable legal framework so far for the liberalization of production, transmission and formation of energy communities in Romania.

GEO 59/2025 enshrines the legal and operational status of energy communities, guarantees fair access to the market and support schemes, promotes social inclusion through differentiated prices and open participation, and provides a solid basis for sustainable local development through self-consumption, storage and energy cooperation.

 

Romania has finally recognized Energy Communities by law

A major legislative achievement is the clear definition of energy communities – structures that can produce, consume, store and even transport energy locally.

GEO 59/2025 introduces for the first time the concept of Energy Communities into Romanian legislation and liberalizes production and transmission within these communities. In this way, energy reaches the hands of thrifty people, enterprising mayors, and those who want to manage their energy resources independently.

Prosumers can sell their surplus electricity on a monthly basis at decent prices through these communities. In fact, Energy Communities will represent a superior way of organizing prosumers in Romania.

 

Energy becomes a project of national importance

One of the most important passages in the new law clearly states the following: “The construction and operation of renewable energy power plants, their connection to the grid, the associated network, and storage facilities are considered projects of national importance in the field of electricity, for the purposes of national security, public health and safety.”

This wording places renewable energy and related infrastructure at the level of national strategic interest, an essential recognition for the development of renewable energy in Romania.

 

A change imposed by the European Commission, not accidental

Prior to the adoption of GEO 59/2025, there was a restrictive version that APCE criticized both domestically and internationally, including at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the European Commission.

The adoption of this ordinance does not come by chance. Romania was facing infringement proceedings for failing to adopt the RED III Directive and risked losing more than EUR 500 million of NRRP funds earmarked for energy communities.

In fact, Romania was the last bastion in Europe to retain a monopoly on energy production and transmission, a fact visible in the ever-increasing bills paid by citizens and companies.

Romania produces too little energy, at high costs, with high losses on outdated, unmodernized and unmaintained networks. GEO 59/2025 changes this paradigm, bringing energy closer to people, communities and local governments.

 

What’s new in GEO 59/2025 for energy communities

The main changes brought about by GEO 59/2025 for energy communities include:

• Official legal recognition – the National Register of Energy Communities is established, managed by ANRE; after registration, the community becomes operational.
• Removing barriers – authorities are required to remove administrative and regulatory barriers that hinder the development of self-consumption and energy communities.
• Priority access to smart infrastructure – distribution operators must install smart meters with priority for community members.
• Open participation – all consumers, including vulnerable households, can be part of communities; communities can offer them preferential rates.
• Clear operating framework – internal rules and sharing of energy produced are established freely, fairly, and transparently.
• Storage and flexibility – ANRE will regulate the use of storage units and the participation of communities in network services.
• Simplification for NGOs and condominiums – these entities can become energy communities without a supply license if they produce exclusively for self-consumption.

APCE has been and remains a critical voice in the energy sector, in a context where primary legislation and, especially, secondary legislation issued by ANRE has not always been favourable to consumers and prosumers.

“Romania now has a correct law, in line with European standards. We will not allow this historic opportunity for the energy communities to be jeopardized by bureaucratic practices or group interests contrary to the European spirit,” APCE President Dan Pirsan concluded.