Retele Electrice Romania, part of the PPC Group, has launched a major investment program aimed at modernizing electricity distribution infrastructure in western Romania. The project is intended to improve service reliability and expand network capacity in parts of Caras-Severin County.
The investment focuses on the Garana-Valiug-Trei Ape region and is designed to enhance electricity supply for approximately 650 existing customers while preparing the network for future increases in electricity demand and regional development.
The modernization project carries a total value of 11.5 million euros, including VAT. Part of the financing will come from Romania’s Modernization Fund, which is expected to provide grant support of up to 7.5 million euros. Construction activities are planned to continue over a period of around 31 months.
The planned works include the modernization of approximately 23 kilometers of existing medium-voltage electricity infrastructure, covering both overhead and underground power lines operating at 6 kV and 20 kV. The company will also construct two new medium-voltage connections measuring 17.8 kilometers and 9.2 kilometers respectively.
One of the project’s key elements involves increasing the voltage capacity of the Brebu Nou-Garana transmission line from 6 kV to 20 kV in order to strengthen regional electricity distribution capabilities. The upgraded infrastructure will additionally be interconnected with the existing Valiug and Slatina Timis 20 kV systems, improving overall network reliability and resilience.
An additional backup electricity connection is also planned for the Semenic Mountains area, a region known for strong tourism activity. The broader investment program further includes modernization of 13 transformer stations and the construction of a new enclosed transformer facility near Lake Trei Ape.
Digitalization represents another important part of the initiative. Distribution equipment will be integrated into remote-control operational systems, enabling network monitoring and switching operations to be carried out without requiring field intervention. To support these systems, fibre-optic communication infrastructure will also be installed to improve data exchange between sensors, control centers and smart-grid technologies.
The project additionally addresses the challenges created by local geography. Approximately 65 percent of Caras-Severin County is covered by mountainous terrain, leaving electricity infrastructure more exposed to severe weather conditions and increasing the need for stronger, more resilient and technologically advanced power networks.
