“For this year alone, Distribuție Oltenia has an investment plan of approximately 450 million RON from internal sources and over 102 million RON from external financing. Furthermore. we are planing to invest over 3 billion RON in the next 5 years, combined internal resources and EU funding, while our aspiration would go up to 5 billion RON, assuming fair conditions for such investments would be provided by the regulatory framework,” Ondrej Safar, CEO Distributie Energie Oltenia and Country Manager Evryo Group told The Diplomat-Bucharest.
“In addition, “Orizont 30”, an ambitious internal initiative, was launched this year. Three pilot projects are currently underway to optimize the network in key areas by installing a voltage regulator, an energy storage battery, and a new transformer substation.”
What are the main strategic objectives of Evryo for the next 3–5 years in Romania?
Distributie Oltenia, part of Evryo Group, plays a key role in the energy transition of our region as operator of the critical energy infrastructure. Our main objective is to find common ground with the authorities to bring the necessary investments to both improve quality of service as well as to support this transition.Through its Development Plan, the operational measures, and the ongoing processes, Distribuție Oltenia has committed to several strategic objectives aimed at improving the quality of electricity distribution services for users, including:
- Increasing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs;
- Enhancing user satisfaction by improving continuity indicators and the technical and commercial quality of service;
- Transitioning to a smart grid (implementation of SMI – MDM & MDC, ADMS – SCADA, AMS, MWM, self-healing technologies, power quality monitoring systems, GIS);
- Integrating 100% of users into the smart metering system by December 31, 2033;
- Aligning with the low-carbon economy transition – achieving NET ZERO by 2040;
- Supporting connection programs for renewable energy producers as well as end users;
- Implementing congestion management systems and increasing grid flexibility;
- Network expansion, electrification, and reinforcement upstream of connection points;
- Digitalizing processes and automating distribution activities;
- Ensuring robust cybersecurity standards and systems.
What are the key areas where Evryo is planning to invest in Romania?
For this year alone, Distribuție Oltenia has an investment plan of approximately 450 million RON from internal sources and over 102 million RON from external financing. Furthermore. we are planing to invest over 3 billion RON in the next 5 years, combined internal resources and EU funding, while our aspiration would go up to 5 billion RON, assuming fair conditions for such investments would be provided by the regulatory framework.
Key initiatives addressed through the Investment Plan include:
- Enhancing energy efficiency by modernizing distribution networks;
- Ensuring connection capacity for consumers, prosumers, and producers;
- Improving continuity and quality of electricity supply by upgrading medium and low-voltage networks;
- Implementing EU co-financed projects;
- Expanding the smart metering system;
- Digitalizing operations and processes through new or upgraded digital solutions;
- Launching pilot projects to test innovative solutions in response to anticipated changes in the energy sector;
- Ensuring health and safety for field staff through proper equipment and tools.
In addition, “Orizont 30”, an ambitious internal initiative, was launched this year. Three pilot projects are currently underway to optimize the network in key areas by installing a voltage regulator, an energy storage battery, and a new transformer substation.
We are also exploring the formation of energy communities within our area of operation. These are groups of people who not only consume energy but also produce it—and we are committed to providing them with the support, solutions, and infrastructure they need.
How do you assess the current state of the Romanian energy market?
The Romanian energy market is undergoing a period of profound transformation, driven by both challenges and major opportunities.
On one hand, the market is shaped by volatility caused by external factors—such as international energy crises, geopolitical instability, and rising resource prices—which have placed significant pressure across the entire energy value chain. Additionally, the evolving legislative landscape demands agility and adaptability from all market participants.
On the other hand, we are seeing clear signs of market maturity: growing interest in renewable energy, the emergence of prosumers, increased infrastructure digitalization, and a stronger focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.
As a distribution system operator, we play a central role in this transition. We view the current market as one in the midst of reconfiguration, where stability and infrastructure investment are crucial to ensuring energy security, uninterrupted service, and support for Romania’s energy transformation.
From a technical perspective, the following are necessary:
- Modernizing low-voltage networks to integrate prosumer energy and maintain voltage quality, by limiting network lengths to 500–800 meters depending on configuration;
- Installing new transformers and solutions for voltage regulation;
- Encouraging mixed solutions for prosumers (solar panels + energy storage);
- Upgrading medium-voltage and 110kV networks where capacity is lacking for new renewable or storage facilities;
- Advancing smart grid development alongside a legal framework that supports Demand Response systems.
Cybersecurity is also a growing area of focus, requiring continuous investment in monitoring, prevention, and capability-building, especially as we transition to smart infrastructure.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Evryo in Romania?
The energy transition represents both a major transformation and a significant challenge for the entire sector.
Traditionally, the energy flow began at a large production facility, moved through transmission and distribution, and ended with the final consumer. The new model shifts this dynamic entirely: the consumer becomes an active player—producing, consuming, and helping balance the system. This shift requires sygnifficant investments into the energy infrastructure, which was built for what has now become „ the old” energy system. In connection to that, Romania as well as all other European countries, must solve the dillema of large investments versus affordability for both industry as well as population.
While renewable energy producers gain importance, the impact is felt at every level of the system. This requires corresponding investment in distribution infrastructure and balancing capacities (batteries, pumping stations, gas and hydrogen plants, etc.). We believe that coordination is key in the implementation of these investments.
How are you managing the volatility in energy prices and regulatory uncertainty?
As a leading energy distribution operator based in Oltenia, managing price volatility and adapting to a constantly evolving regulatory environment are strategic priorities.
To cope with price fluctuations, we focus on operational efficiency, continuous investment in modernizing the infrastructure, and digitalization—actions that help reduce losses and increase the reliability of the services we offer. These efforts also support cost stabilization and foster a transparent and predictable relationship with our partners.
Regarding regulatory uncertainty, we maintain close collaboration with relevant authorities and actively participate in public consultations and energy sector working groups. This enables us to swiftly align with legislative changes and anticipate their impact on our operations and on our customers.
Through this integrated and adaptive approach, we ensure that we remain a reliable partner, capable of delivering sustainable and high-quality services in a constantly changing environment.
How is Evryo adapting its strategy in response to global energy transition?
The energy transition is fundamentally reshaping how the energy systems function. The traditional top-down model (large producer → transport → distribution → consumer) is being replaced by a decentralized one, where consumers play an active role in producing, consuming, and balancing energy.
Distribuție Oltenia, as part of Evryo, is adapting its strategy along three main pillars:
- Development Plans, Maintenance and Operational Measures
We are aligning our grid and internal operations with the demands of the global and national energy transition through concrete strategic objectives. - Innovation and Pilot Projects
Through the Orizont 30 project, we are testing new technologies, launching pilot programs, and collecting critical data that can support both our network development and the broader energy sector in Romania. Our initiatives are centered around users—we aim to empower them with clear information, accessible solutions, and ongoing support to facilitate their participation in the transition. - Dialogue and Regulation
We maintain an active role in industry groups organized by ACUE and ANRE, contributing to a regulatory environment that encourages distribution network investment, digitalization, and automation—all crucial to achieving Romania’s energy transition goals.
How do you see Romania’s role in the broader European energy transition?
Romania holds a strategic position in the region and has significant potential for renewable energy generation—solar, wind, and hydro. These factors make the country an essential player in Europe’s energy transition.
We see this transformation as a valuable opportunity to modernize networks, integrate new generation capacities, and support consumers in their decarbonization journey. With the right investments in smart grids, digitalization, and prosumer integration, Romania can become a regional energy hub, ensuring energy security while actively contributing to EU climate objectives.
Our role, as a distribution operator, is to build the infrastructure and systems that enable this transformation—and to set an example of best practices in the region.
Where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth in the coming years?
As a regional leader in electricity distribution, we see the most promising growth opportunities in three key areas: the energy transition, network digitalization, and sustainable development partnerships.
- Energy Transition
The shift to a green energy system opens up major opportunities for renewable integration. We are investing heavily in modernizing our grid to support prosumer connections and foster the creation of energy communities. Though the market is volatile and regulatory pressures are high, we view this transition as a unique opportunity to modernize the energy system and contribute meaningfully to decarbonization goals. - Digitalization
Intelligent solutions such as smart meters, advanced monitoring systems, and real-time data analytics are critical for improving operational efficiency, reducing losses, and better serving consumers. - Partnerships
We also see substantial potential in collaborating with local authorities and the private sector to develop strategic projects in areas such as electric mobility and energy efficiency across urban and rural environments.
Through these directions, our aim is not only to strengthen our leadership position but also to actively contribute to the sustainable development of Oltenia and the achievement of Romania’s energy objectives.
