Two weeks ago, the
government of Romania approved support measures, partly financed from EU
funding under the 2014-2020 cohesion policy, to help vulnerable citizens cover
their energy bills.
Energy cards will be
delivered by post as of February 1, and beginning on February 20 they can be
used for the payment of electricity, heating and natural gas bills, and for purchasing
firewood, natural gas bottles, fuel oil, pellets and other heating materials.
A card carries a value
of around EUR 140, the first installment of the total aid of EUR 280 for the
year 2023, addressing beneficiaries with incomes below EUR 410 per family member. Where several beneficiaries share the same address,
one card will be issued for the address.
For those living in individual
houses, things are quite straightforward. But if a beneficiary lives in a block of flats and
wants to use the card for their energy expenses, the building manager will have
to break down expenses and issue a debt validation certificate.
The second installment
of the aid will be distributed in September, and will consist of cards with a
similar value, but the Government considers broadening the category of
beneficiaries to include people earning less than EUR 600 per family member per
month.
Energy card beneficiaries will be able to pay energy bills using this document,
their ID and the invoice in question only via the Romanian Post, the minister
for European Projects and Investments Marcel Boloş explained:
Marcel
Boloş: Beneficiaries will be able to use the cards either with their
mailman, or at their local post office, and as of next week we hope to have the
electronic postal order service also available, where possible. After each
operation, they must request the proof of payment, which is the document that
confirms that the Romanian Post will transfer the money received from us to the
beneficiary’s energy supplier. Also, using the card serial number,
beneficiaries will be able to check their balance and payment history.
The Romanian authorities will also continue to fund the social
vouchers worth around EUR 50 every 2 months, used for the purchase of food and
hot meals. The vouchers are partly financed from EU funds and partly from the
state budget, and since 2022 over 2.5 million people have been receiving them. Also,
in 2023 as well, an energy price cap and subsidy system will be in place for
all household consumers. (AMP)