From January 1, 2026, electricity bills in Romania will increase for most consumers. While recent headlines have described the changes as “massive”, the reality is more measured: the increases come from regulated network tariffs and are expected to have a moderate impact on monthly household bills, not a sudden price shock.
Understanding what is changing and what is not, helps put the situation into context.
What is changing from January 1, 2026
The National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) has approved adjustments to regulated electricity network tariffs, which apply nationwide and affect all consumers regardless of supplier.
These tariffs cover the cost of:
- Transporting electricity across the national grid
- Distributing electricity to homes and businesses
- Supporting high-efficiency cogeneration (a separate contribution)
Approved changes include:
- Electricity transport tariffs: increase of around 10%
- Distribution tariffs: increases ranging from 1% to 10%, depending on region
- Cogeneration contribution: a minor increase with limited impact on bills
These adjustments reflect higher infrastructure and maintenance costs, rather than changes in electricity production or supply pricing.
What is not changing
Despite some interpretations, several key elements remain unchanged:
- Electricity suppliers are not introducing a nationwide price increase
- The energy (kWh) component of bills remains stable
- No emergency pricing measures are being reintroduced
- No sudden market liberalisation occurs in January 2026
In short, this is not a return to crisis-era electricity pricing.
Why headlines describe the increase as “massive”
The term “massive” refers to the percentage increase of certain tariffs, not to the final amount paid by consumers.
Network-related costs typically represent 35–45% of a household electricity bill. When a 10% increase applies only to this portion, the effect on the total bill is significantly smaller.
This distinction is often lost in headline reporting. For a typical household consuming around 200–250 kWh per month, the expected impact is limited.
| Item | Before Jan 2026 | After Jan 2026 (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly consumption | ~225 kWh | ~225 kWh |
| Average bill | ~245–250 lei | ~255–260 lei |
| Monthly difference | – | +8 to +15 lei |
Exact figures vary by region, depending on the local distribution operator.
Electricity bills in Romania will increase modestly from January 2026, driven by higher network tariffs. While the percentage changes in certain components are notable, the overall impact on household bills is limited.
For most consumers, the increase will be measured in a few lei per month, not the dramatic rise suggested by some headlines.
