March 20 (SeeNews) - Romanian electricity and natural gas distributor Delgaz Grid, a subsidiary of German utility E.ON, said it has invested more than 88.5 million lei ($19.3 million/17.7 million euro) in expanding smart metering and modernising electrical networks in the north-eastern city of Suceava.
The entire project is expected to be completed by September, with over 60.7 million lei co-financed from the European Regional Development Fund, the company said in a press release on Tuesday.
Delgaz Grid's contribution exceeds 13.7 million lei, plus VAT of 14.1 million lei.
More than 10,500 smart meters will be installed in total across various neighbourhoods in Suceava, along with the rehabilitation of low-voltage distribution networks. The project aims to reduce service interruptions, monitor energy supply, and reduce losses.
The project, which began at the end of last year, has completed works in 7 out of 38 zones included. So far, nearly 3,000 smart meters have been installed, with progress on network modernisation at around 20%.
Delgaz Grid plans to have about 32% of customers benefiting from smart metering by the end of 2024, reaching 47% by 2028.
Delgaz Grid operates a natural gas network of 25,800 km in twenty counties and an 81,500 km electricity grid in six counties in northern and western Romania.
(1 euro=4.97411 lei)