Can you provide our readers with a brief overview of MET Romania Energy’s history and your vision for the company?

Thank you! MET Romania Energy was established in 2005 and is part of the Swiss MET Group, a leading player in the supply of energy in Central and Eastern Europe. We operate in 15 countries, with 23 international trading hubs and over 1,700 employees. In Romania, we entered the market as a new and agile player in a field dominated by established energy suppliers, and we have grown organically and through strategic acquisitions.

Our most recent acquisition of RWE Energie has further strengthened our position in the market and increased our market share to about 10%, making us one of the top three suppliers in Romania. While we are honored to receive recognition for our work, we are not resting on our laurels. We have ambitious plans for further growth, both organically and through acquisitions, and we aim to play a role in improving Romania’s energy infrastructure and energy efficiency.

One of the key strengths of MET Romania Energy is its Energy Management Centre. What was the rationale behind this investment?

Our Energy Management Centre is a unique asset that sets us apart from our competitors in the market. As the sole supplier in the country and one of the few in the region to have such a center, we are able to monitor and manage risk not only internally but also for our customers in a market that is characterized by uncertainty and unpredictability. The center operates 365 days a year and provides long-term predictability, pricing forecasts, and real-time consumption tracking.

We took on the balancing responsibility on the electricity market in 2017 and currently rank third among the local players, after CIGA and Electrica. Our investment in the Energy Management Centre reflects our commitment to providing reliable and efficient energy solutions to our customers and managing risks in a dynamic market environment.

Apart from the supply of electricity and natural gas, MET Romania Energy is also focused on the use of innovative technologies and green energy. Can you provide examples of how these are integrated into your broader business strategy?

Absolutely! We have already invested in renewable energy, particularly in photovoltaic systems ranging from residential use to large parks, and we are currently in the process of building a wind park. These investments are driven by our commitment to contribute to limiting climate change and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

In addition, we have developed capabilities in the field of charging stations for electric cars. While this is not a strategic direction for the company at present, we recognize the potential of this field in the future and aim to be part of it as it gains traction. In terms of technology, we have implemented IoT meter reading devices for remote and real-time measurement of consumption, which has been well-received by our customers. We also plan to continue leveraging innovative technologies and implementing smart home solutions. We believe that technology, combined with a cohesive and attractive work environment, is essential for driving our business forward.

Can you elaborate on the main challenges that your company faces when operating within the local business climate, taking into consideration the regulatory framework in Romania?

The Romanian market has undergone a lengthy and difficult process of liberalization, with recent legislation seemingly moving in the opposite direction. While ANRE is not the enemy, they are simply doing their job, the stability, predictability, and reliability of the regulatory framework are vital to any business operation. I believe in further deregulation to create a free market that can stabilize itself, attract investors, and offer consumers the best prices and services.

In addition, educating consumers is an ongoing priority to ensure that they have the knowledge and understanding to make informed decisions. Compared to other jurisdictions, Romania’s consumers are generally conservative and resistant to change, whether it concerns their current energy supply or new initiatives such as the “Casa Verde” plan, which encourages the use of renewable energy. It is critical to keep both residential and industrial consumers well-informed and aware of developments in the energy sector.

What significant milestones does your company plan to achieve in the next two to three years?

We are eagerly anticipating the successful completion of two ongoing projects: the wind park and the natural gas supply. Our company’s fundamentals are solid, and we have been meeting our budget targets while moving towards an integrated vertical model. Our customer-centric approach will continue to guide our efforts as we aim to provide a reliable and efficient energy supply to both industrial and residential consumers. Additionally, we are committed to the gradual transition to a green energy market and wish to be a driving force in this sector. Our ultimate goal is to expand further into the renewable energy sector and establish our company as a leader in this field.