Hidroelectrica calls force majeure clause in energy supply contracts because of drought

Romania’s biggest energy producer, Hidroelectrica, has activated the force majeure clause on its energy supply contracts because of the drought, according to Ziarul Financiar newspaper. The energy producer can no longer perform its contractual obligations due to the low level of rain. According to the Romanian National Institute the final electricity consumption in the first seven months rose by 4 percent to 30.46 billion kWh in Romania, compared to the same period in 2010, while electricity sources were with 7.1 percent higher, to 36.47 billion kWh. The public lighting consumption decreased by 14.8 percent, while household consumption increased by 3 percent. The lack of rain in the last period has also triggered the Danube’s lower water. Earlier this month, the river’s level decreased to depths of 1.2 to 1.4 meters in some areas, so navigation was blocked because of some critical areas. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com (photo source: Sxc.hu)