The National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) has established a regulated rate of return (RRR) of 6.94% for energy distribution and transmission operators, effective from January 1, 2025. This rate represents an increase from the 6.39% rate applied during the fourth regulatory period.
ANRE President George Niculescu emphasized that the new rate is designed to support and encourage investment in the energy sector. A key feature of this regulation is a 1% additional return for operators who make significant investments, aimed at stimulating further development. This means that operators exceeding the minimum investment threshold will benefit from a total rate of return of 7.94% on the additional investment.
Niculescu highlighted that this approach is a departure from previous methods. The regulator has engaged in extensive discussions with distribution operators and conducted public consultations to refine the rate of return. This process involved multiple meetings and a thorough debate on the value of the return rate.
The updated rate of return is designed to reward distribution operators who not only meet but exceed the required investment levels, which are set at approximately 320 million euros annually across all operators. By linking the rate of return to actual investment performance, the regulator aims to foster more substantial and effective investment in the development of distribution networks, rather than allowing operators to maintain minimal investment levels just to secure a higher return.
