Electricity transmission company Transelectrica SA said the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) gave the go-ahead for its ten-year plan to invest RON 5.5 billion (EUR 1.2 billion) in network upgrade.

The operator produces a plan for the following decade on a biannual basis. The Romanian government-controlled company runs transmission and market operations including infrastructure. The management has earlier faced criticism for weak investment. Transelectrica said the programme will be funded by “an adequate and balanced mix” and according to options available in the financial market, indicating it may turn to commercial loans if necessary. It added it will look into grants from the European Union.

The transmission firm said it plans to install lines and refurbish substations. Interconnection upgrades, a boost to transmission capacity from the eastern part of the country and more reliable supply in underprivileged areas are also among the priorities, the report said.