A cold spell pushed Romania’s electricity system to its limits on 19 January, with demand surging to 9,235 MW, the highest level recorded in the past five years. Average temperatures were about four degrees below seasonal norms, creating significant operational pressure on the national grid.
Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan reported that the system remained stable despite the strain. With coal-fired power plants running at maximum capacity and wind generation contributing only marginally due to weak conditions, Romania relied on a balanced but tightly managed production mix to meet electricity demand.
The Ministry of Energy expects the cold wave to continue through 21 January, but officials say the sector is well-prepared. Electricity and gas production, along with transmission, distribution, and supply networks, are operating in a coordinated manner to withstand the prolonged low temperatures.
Gas consumption has also risen sharply, averaging 14.5% higher than the same period last year. Despite increased demand, storage levels remain strong, with Romania holding reserves roughly 10% above the EU average. Officials estimate that around 170 million cubic meters of gas are currently available, exceeding volumes recorded a year ago, ensuring flexibility for potential spikes in consumption during the cold period.
In response to the extreme weather, Minister Ivan convened the National Energy Command on 19 January at the National Energy Dispatcher headquarters to monitor system stability in real time. Meanwhile, Romania’s National Meteorological Administration issued new weather alerts, including Yellow Code warnings for frost and very low temperatures in force nationwide until the morning of 21 January, alongside broader advisories for severe cold, strong winds, mixed precipitation, and sleet extending through the morning of 22 January.