Through Order 17/2026, published in Official Gazette no. 444 of May 26, 2026, a new regulatory framework is introduced for obtaining and maintaining the authorizations required for operating in the natural gas sector.
What does it stipulate?
The new regulation unifies and standardizes the authorization criteria for all operators in the sector. The focus is on demonstrating technical, economic-financial, and professional capacity. Companies must prove that they have qualified and certified personnel for specific activities, equipment compliant with current technical standards, and well-defined operating and maintenance procedures. From a financial perspective, clearer requirements are introduced regarding liquidity, solvency, and the existence of financial guarantees or insurance policies to cover potential operational risks.
The procedure for submitting and analyzing authorization files is digitized and simplified, establishing clear deadlines for the regulatory authority’s response. The requested documentation is more structured and includes, among other things, a detailed business plan for a period of at least three years, evidence of funding sources, technical schemes of installations, as well as internal safety and environmental protection policies. For the renewal of authorizations, operators will have to submit an activity report demonstrating compliance with the initial conditions and the assumed investment plan.
The regulation establishes specific requirements for each type of activity in the natural gas value chain. For example, suppliers must demonstrate that they possess robust IT systems for customer and billing management, while distribution or transport operators must present multi-year investment plans for network modernization and safety. For trading activities, stricter rules are imposed regarding risk management and transaction transparency.
The conditions under which an authorization may be suspended or withdrawn are also clarified. Repeated non-compliance with technical standards, entering insolvency, failure to establish the requested financial guarantees, or providing false information in the authorization process are explicitly defined as grounds for sanction. This increases predictability for economic operators but also requires more rigorous internal compliance monitoring.
To whom does it apply?
The Order applies to all legal entities that carry out or intend to carry out activities in the natural gas sector, including:
- Natural gas producers;
- Transmission and system operators (TSO);
- Distribution operators (DO);
- Underground storage facility operators;
- Natural gas suppliers;
- Traders and wholesale market operators;
- Companies that design, execute, or operate natural gas systems and installations.
What should you do?
- Evaluate current compliance: Analyze existing authorizations against the new technical, financial, and professional requirements to quickly identify any non-compliance.
- Prepare re-authorization documentation: If the regulation requires the renewal of existing authorizations within a certain timeframe, begin collecting and preparing documents according to the new requirements (updated business plans, proof of financial capacity, personnel certifications).
- Update internal procedures: Review and adapt operating manuals, safety policies, and maintenance plans to comply with the new technical and regulatory standards.
- Budget compliance costs: Estimate and allocate the financial resources needed to obtain certifications, financial guarantees, or additional insurance policies required by the new authorization framework.
Source: Official Gazette, Part I, no. 444 of May 26, 2026.
Note: This material is strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, or business advice. As the interpretation and application of legal provisions may vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of each entity, we recommend seeking specialized legal assistance before adopting any operational decisions based on these changes.