Electricity Law (No. 318).

The present Law sets the regulatory framework for carrying out activities concerning electricity and heat, optimization of the primary energy sources in compliance with the environmental protection norms. The aforesaid activities are meant to: (a) ensure a sustainable development of the national economy; (b) diversify the primary energy resources; (c) ensure regulated and non-discriminatory access of all electricity market participants to public transmission and distribution networks; (d) ensure safety fuel stocks for generation of electricity and of heat produced in cogeneration; (e) promote the use of new and renewable energy resources; (f) ensure environmental protection at local and global level. The Law consists of eight Chapters divided into 66 articles dealing with the following matters: (a) background (Chapt. 1, arts. 1 – 3); authorities and competence (Chapt. 2, arts. 4 – 12); authorizations, licences and concessions (Chapt. 3, arts. 13 – 23); electricity (Chapt. 4, arts. 24 – 49); renewable energy sources (Chapt. 5, arts. 50 – 52); prices and tariffs (Chapt. 6, arts. 53 – 60); infraction and contravention (Chapt. 7, arts. 61 – 65); transitory and final provisions (Chapt. 8, art. 66). The competent authority in the electricity sector is the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority – ANRE. It has the following tasks and competencies: (a) set up mandatory regulations for sector companies; (b) issue, grant, suspend or withdraw authorisations and licences for sector companies, including for the producers generating heat; (c) set up framework contracts for electricity supply; (d) inspection. All energy sector activities shall be licensed. Land in private ownership may be expropriated for public utility cause when required for the operation of energy facilities. The following sources are defined as renewable energy sources: (a) wind; (b) solar; (c) waves and tide; (d) geothermal; (e) hydroelectric; (f) biomass; (g) LFG - landfill gas; (h) STPG – sewage treatment plant gas; (i) biogas; (j) alcohol fuel; (k) other renewable energy sources, not exploited so far.