Italian energy group Enel, which provides electricity to 2.8 million of the 8 million household consumers in Romania, will invest EUR 200 million between 2017 and 2019 to reduce power interruptions and operational costs.

The company will digitalize its network, reports local Economica.net. It will introduce smart meters, remote controled network components, and paperless workflows, according to a presentation made by Livio Gallo, director of Enel networks division.

Enel has already implemented this digitization process at its network in Italy. The average duration of the power outages was reduced from 128 minutes per year in 2001 to 44 minutes per year in 2015. Also, the average operational spending per each customer dropped from EUR 80 per year in 2001 to EUR 48 in 2015.

Enel estimates that the average duration of power interruptions will drop by 15% in 2019 compared to 2016.

The company could also change its business model and sell some capacities in the renewable energy sector, but would keep its status as operator, including in Romania, said general director Francesco Starace.

editor@romania-insider.com