On May 29, 2025, the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) published Order No. 20/2025 in the Official Gazette. This order introduces substantial amendments and additions to the existing regulatory framework for connecting users to public electricity networks, as originally approved by ANRE Order No. 59/2013. The new provisions are effective as of 1 June 2025, aim to clarify responsibilities, improve transparency and introduce operational safeguards in the grid connection process. Below, you can find a brief summary of the key changes.

1. Operational limitation in the connection permit

A new mechanism allows amending the Grid Connection Permit (ATR) in order to include operational limitations. These may restrict the power that can be injected into the grid—even down to zero MW—based on specific network conditions, particularly under N-1 scenarios that may cause overloads. Where such limitations are provided, the relevant information regarding the limitations will be included in the ATR and, where applicable, the Connection Certificate. The installation of automation systems to enforce these limits qualifies as connection installation work, and the transfer agreement must grant the user access rights for maintenance when such equipment is placed in the operator’s facilities.

2. Enhanced rules for the solution study

Solution studies must now be conducted chronologically, based on the order of complete documentation submissions. The study must also consider nearby users with:

• Signed solution study contracts
• Approved solution studies by the relevant grid operator
• Valid ATR
• Valid Connection Certificates

The grid operator must deliver the approved connection solution study within three months from the date of contract conclusion for high-voltage connections (≥110 kV), and one month from the date of contract conclusion for medium or low-voltage connections, subject to payment. The user must also be informed of the required financial guarantee.

The new procedure ensures transparency by requiring the operator to notify the user at least 10 days before the solution approval meeting and provide the draft study. Users may submit comments or modification requests five days before the meeting, which must be addressed during the session.

The ATR must be issued within 10 days after the approved study is sent or the user selects a solution, or—where applicable—after proof of the financial guarantee is submitted. For projects of 5 MW or more, certain deadlines may be extended by up to five working days in justified cases.

For users with installed capacities of 5 MW or more, certain procedural deadlines may be extended by five working days, if duly justified. These include: (i) verification of documentation, (ii) issuance of the invoice for connection-related tariffs, (iii) final physical connection of the installation.

3. Submission of financial guarantee

Users must submit proof of the financial guarantee within two months from receiving the approved solution study or by the deadline for submitting their connection option. Failure to do so results in:

• The solution study becoming invalid, and
• The connection request being closed.

The operator must notify the user of this outcome within five working days.

4. Conclusion of the grid connection agreement

Once the Grid Connection Permit has been issued, the user must request the conclusion of the Grid Connection Agreement with the operator at least 45 calendar days before the permit expires. If the documentation is incomplete, the operator must request the missing documents within 10 calendar days. The user must then complete the file no later than 15 calendar days before the expiry of the permit.

Depending on the case, the draft agreement must be sent to the user within 10 calendar days from submission of the complete documentation, or within five calendar days if it contains additional clauses subject to negotiation.

5. Modification and extension of the connection agreement

Any amendment or completion of the agreement requires a formal addendum agreed upon by both parties. The user may request an extension of the agreement in successive 12-month periods, provided the extension is needed to postpone the final physical connection of the installation. The request must be submitted at least 30 calendar days before the contract’s expiry and must be accompanied by proof of a valid financial guarantee covering the entire extension period. The amount of the financial guarantee must be:

• 5 percent of the connection tariff for the first extension
• Increased by an additional 5 percent for each successive 12-month extension.

6. Enforcement of the financial guarantee and loss of the ATR validity

The grid operator is entitled to enforce the financial guarantee, and the Grid Connection Permit loses its validity, in the following situations:

• The user does not request the conclusion of the Grid Connection Agreement at least 45 calendar days before the permit’s expiry.
• The user fails to submit the complete required documentation at least 15 calendar days before the permit’s expiry.

7. Transitional provisions

For ATRs valid at the time the Order enters into force, i.e. before 1 June 2025, updates must be made within 30 days of the user’s request to reflect operational limitations, and addenda to existing agreements must be concluded where applicable. The new rules on solution studies and input data also apply to requests without signed study contracts before the Order’s effective date.

Grid operators and users must align ongoing agreements with the amended standard contract within 180 days of the Order’s effectiveness, including provisions on contract extensions. The extension rules also apply to pending requests submitted before the Order went into effect. For agreements expiring within 30 days of the Order’s entry into force, related deadlines are proportionally reduced.

Users who received approved solution studies but had not submitted the required financial guarantee must do so within two months of the Order’s effective date.