We want clean energy, not toxic speech – about respect, balance and future of the energy sector

Romania takes important steps towards a greener future. Prosumers – that is, citizens who produce energy from renewable sources and consume it for their own use – are an increasing part of this process. It is a clear sign that people want to contribute to change. And we should be proud of it.

But instead of a mature and constructive debate on how we build a fair energy system for all, we are witnessing a toxic polarization. On some online channels, the voice of reason is replaced by personal attacks, misinformation and instigation of hatred. This does not look like a company prepared for the future.

We firmly disapprove of any speech of hatred, misinformation or incitement to hostility. You can have a different opinion without denigrating. You can signal problems without attacking people or institutions. We need a culture of dialogue, not conflict. The recent discussions on the adoption of regulations related to the status of prosumers unfortunately trained unfounded accusations and carried not to be failed to be a collaboration.

We support a correct information, to properly frame the topics under discussion

As for the volume of energy reported by prosumers,The statements that the volumes of non -compensated energy are very large are not supported by the existing data. According to the official data published by ANRE, in 2023 the prosumers delivered about 564 GWh of electricity, of which only 15% (86 GWH) were reported for subsequent consumption.

In terms of energy policies and national objectives,Romania follows a balanced and sustainable development of the production capacities from renewable sources. The objective assumed at the national level is to achieve a capacity of 2.5 GW installed by prosumers by 2030. Estimations, which exceed this threshold, risk misleading public opinion and affecting the coherence of energy policies.

As regards the billing of energy delivered by prosumers,The delays in the invoicing process of the period 2022-2024 were not caused by the suppliers, but by the legislative disorders and the frequent changes of the normative framework. The suppliers applied the legal provisions and invested in complex computer solutions and administrative processes to manage the quantitative and value compensation of the energy, without benefiting from financial support or dedicated incentives.

No matter how good the intentions are, it is important to look at the overall image. The energy system works only if it is balanced and fair for all: for those who produce energy, and for those who only consume it, but also for those who manage the network and ensure continuity in food.

When you produce and consume – a synchronization problem

Solar energy is abundant during the day, especially summer – just when consumption is lower. In contrast, evenings and winters bring high consumption, but a low or even non -existent production. This means that prosumers deliver cheap energy on the network, but consume it when energy costs more. This price difference does not simply disappear – it is indirectly compensated by the other consumers in the system.

There are also legitimate needs to clarify the roles, responsibilities and benefits for each actor in the system. But transforming these aspects into a fight between “prosumators” and “suppliers” is a dangerous trap. There are no two camps. There is only one energy system – and it works only if everyone involved collaborates.

The network, between stability and costs

The energy produced from renewable sources, although clean, is unpredictable. In order for the network to remain stable, without fluctuations or interruptions in food operators must make quick, sometimes very expensive adjustments. These costs are, for the moment, “hidden” through the price ceilings in force. In a free market, they will become visible and will be paid by all consumers.

Real benefits to prosumers

The prosumers benefit from several facilities today: they do not pay taxes for the energy produced and consumed, the unconsumed energy can be reported and can be compensated financially, they do not pay for imbalances – although the energy from renewable sources is difficult to forecast. All of these have the role of encouraging investments in clean energy.

How do we find balance?

In order for the system to remain sustainable, a clear and correct frame is needed. The Acue Federation proposed a model based on technical and legislative solutions aimed at balancing the system. Among them: (1) establishing a correct purchase price, reflecting the real value of energy on the market; (2) clear separation of commercial contracts from the regulated ones; (3) Freedom of suppliers to make offers for the energy bought from prosumers, implicitly the freedom of prosumers to choose the best product for them.

These proposals are not against prosumers. They are for the correct functioning of a system that becomes more and more complex and interconnected.

We call a collaboration, not confrontation

It is essential not to transform this transition into a fight between camps. It does not help anyone an aggressive or polarizing speech. What really helps us is the informed dialogue, based on data, respect and understanding that we all have a role: some produce, others consume, and others maintain the functional energy system.

We support the idea of ​​a legislative framework that is correct to all. We believe that prices must reflect the reality of the market. We believe it is normal for all actors to contribute equitably to the maintenance costs of the network.

But all these adjustments must be made by dialogue, not by conflict. And any attempt to build a reform against the background of a toxic discourse risks compromising the public confidence and sabotaging the energy transition we all support.

This material is part of the information and education campaign “connected to the future” initiated and supported by the Acue Federation. The campaign aims to familiarize customers with the necessary transformations in the energy distribution sector. The information presented in this campaign is meant to provide a better understanding of technological changes, new regulations and steps to be followed to benefit from a modern and efficient energy distribution service.

Article supported by Acue