The Government approved, on Thursday, the legal framework so that administrative-territorial units (ATUs) can guarantee loans contracted by district heating service operators under their subordination, exclusively for the purchase of fuel necessary for the supply of thermal energy in a centralized system, in the 2025-2026 cold season.
„This measure is necessary to ensure the functioning of district heating systems in Romania’s major cities. The Ministry of Development intervened quickly so that no community would be put at risk in the 2025-2026 cold season. Through this regulatory act, we offer local authorities the financial instruments they need to protect their citizens and maintain essential public services,” said the Minister of Development, Cseke Attila, according to a press release.
The regulatory act was necessary because, until now, administrative-territorial units could not guarantee loans if the level of annual debts exceeded 30% of the average of their own revenues in the last three years. This limitation generated major difficulties for local district heating operators, who do not have sufficient liquidity to purchase fuel before winter, which would have led to the risk of interruption of the supply of thermal energy in several municipalities in the country, affecting especially the vulnerable population, informed the MDLPA.
At the same time, the measure supports the financial sustainability of local budgets, avoiding additional pressures on the state budget.
The municipalities that have expressed their intention to access this financing mechanism are Bacau, Botosani, Constanta, Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Focsani, Gheorgheni, Iasi, Oradea and Ploiesti. Of these, the municipality of Iasi, as it has the capacity of operator of the thermal energy supply service, will be able to contract loans from credit institutions. The total estimated amount for the purchase of the fuel necessary for the operation of the district heating systems amounts to over 559 million RON.
Through this approach, the Ministry of Development contributes to protecting the public interest and the continuity of essential services for the population, under conditions of financial sustainability and budgetary responsibility, MDLPA representatives also specified.AGERPRES
