Hidroelectrica Raises Energy Prices by 13%: What This Means for Your Actual Bill

Hidroelectrica has offered additional clarification following its announcement of a 13% increase in the price of active energy for new customers and for contracts reaching their expiry date. According to the company, whilst the 13% figure may appear significant, the actual impact on the final bill will be smaller, estimated at approximately 7%, depending on the distribution zone.

Specifically, the price of active energy will rise from 0.45 RON/kWh to 0.515 RON/kWh starting October 2026. The company states, in a press release issued on Monday, that this adjustment remains below the cumulative rate of inflation recorded during the period in which the price was kept unchanged.

Why Hidroelectrica decided to raise prices

The company explains that its operations have been affected by the general rise in costs, by fuel price developments, and in particular by this year's unfavourable hydrological conditions, which have reduced the availability of water needed for hydroelectric power generation.

According to the press release, 2026 has brought a hydraulicity deficit starting from April, a situation that worsened from June onwards, when flow rates fell to below half of the multi-year averages across most major installations. A notable example is Porțile de Fier, which accounts for approximately 40% of Hidroelectrica's total energy output: in July and August, the average monthly inflow rates on the Danube reached just 39.7% and 36.1% respectively of the multi-year averages, placing them at historic lows of below 1,400 cubic metres per second.

The company further notes that, following changes to the contribution mechanism applicable to the cost of electricity, the price of processed water rose by 7.32%, from 37 RON/MWh to 39.71 RON/MWh, with effect from June 2026. At the same time, wholesale electricity market prices have increased, reaching approximately 900 RON/MWh for baseload energy covering the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.

Who is affected by the price rise

It is important to note that the new price applies only to new customers and to contracts reaching their expiry date, and is not retroactive — meaning it does not automatically affect ongoing contracts that have not yet expired.

Hidroelectrica maintains that, despite this adjustment, it remains committed to its goal of continuing to be one of the suppliers offering competitive electricity tariffs to residential consumers in Romania.