Romania's Energy Ministry has urged households, businesses and public institutions to voluntarily reduce electricity consumption during evening peak hours through Aug. 31 as exceptionally low Danube River water levels continue to constrain domestic power generation, according to international media reports.
The ministry called on consumers to reduce electricity use between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. and shift energy-intensive activities to between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., when solar photovoltaic generation is highest.
Households were advised to avoid operating multiple high-consumption appliances simultaneously during peak hours and, where possible, reschedule activities such as washing, tumble drying, electric vehicle charging and electric water heating to midday hours.
The ministry said the recommendations do not apply to equipment required for healthcare, medical treatment or maintaining safe indoor temperatures.
Large industrial consumers using more than 50,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually were asked to identify flexible production processes that can be rescheduled, use on-site generation or energy storage where available, and avoid starting high-power equipment during the evening peak.
- Additional measures planned
Companies were also asked to report planned demand-reduction measures and estimated electricity savings.
Public institutions were urged to reduce non-essential lighting and air conditioning, while hospitals, emergency services and other critical infrastructure are exempt.
The ministry said the voluntary and temporary measures are intended to prevent supply disruptions.
Romania is also maximizing gas- and coal-fired generation, prioritizing evening hydropower output and using available electricity imports, while preparing a regulatory framework for structured demand-side management if grid conditions deteriorate.
By Humeyra Ayaz
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
