Romanian Energy Bills Expected to Decline by 2026 with Photovoltaic Storage Plans

Energy prices in Romania are trending downward despite a recent VAT increase from 19% to 21%, with competition among suppliers helping to reduce electricity rates and consumer bills, according to ANRE President George Niculescu. Meanwhile, Romania's Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan expects energy bills to start decreasing from the second half of 2026, attributing this to advances in photovoltaic energy storage that will allow cheaper midday electricity to be used during evening hours. Bolojan also criticized delays in completing key energy infrastructure projects, such as the Iernut gas power plant and several hydroelectric plants, which have hindered energy competitiveness. In New Zealand, the "Electrify Dunedin" event aims to help businesses and households reduce energy bills through practical solutions like solar power, electric fleets, and AI for energy management, highlighting a broader industry shakeup. In Wales, a focus on training 200 new students in clean energy trades is part of a strategy to fill 15,000 new green jobs, but a senior advisor emphasized prioritizing home insulation over costly carbon capture technologies to more effectively reduce fuel poverty and energy bills. These diverse efforts reflect a global push to manage rising energy costs while advancing clean and sustainable energy solutions.