German utilities group E.On, which owns electricity and gas distribution businesses in Romania, invested EUR 104 million in its local operations last year. This year, the group plans to increase investments to over EUR 108 million.

However, the group’s representatives say that the state should also provide some stimulus for such investments.

“We need to continue investing in networks to get closer to the current performance levels in the European union’s developed countries. For this, it’s essential that we have a regulatory framework that stimulates investments and innovation,” said E.On Romania general manager Frank Hajinjak.

The group’s biggest investments went to electricity distributions networks (EUR 52 million), followed by natural gas distribution (EUR 43 million) and smart metering (EUR 11 million).

E.On will open a service center for clients in Germany at Sibiu, where it will create 250 new jobs, especially for German speakers. The group will also continue hiring at its software development center in Iasi, Eastern Romania. The center opened last year and has reached 70 employees. The goal is to reach 120 by year end.

editor@romania-insider.com