Bucharest’s district heating system is one of the largest in Europe and, at the same time, one of the most complex. For many residents, the question “which CET do I belong to?” usually comes up during the cold season, when issues with hot water or heating occur.

In the capital, thermal energy production is carried out by ELCEN, while distribution to consumers is managed by Termoenergetica. Together, these two entities operate an extensive network of pipelines and thermal plants, organized into several zones supplied by different CETs.

It is important to understand that this division does not strictly follow administrative sector boundaries, but rather the layout of the main heating pipelines. As a result, two neighborhoods within the same sector may be supplied by different CETs.

How Bucharest is divided among CETs

Currently, the system is structured around four main CETs and one neighborhood-level plant. Each serves specific areas, although overlaps and variations may occur depending on the network.

CET Sud – the largest coverage in the city

CET Sud is the largest thermal energy provider in Bucharest and supplies a significant part of the city.

It covers:

•  Sector 3: Titan, Dristor, Baba Novac 
•  Sector 4: Tineretului, Berceni 
•  Parts of Sector 2 
•  Central areas 

As a major plant, it has the capacity to support high demand. However, long distances to certain neighborhoods can lead to pressure losses, especially during system failures.

CET Vest – serving the west and south-west

CET Vest mainly supplies the western parts of Bucharest and is often mentioned in discussions about heating issues.

It covers:

•  Sector 6: Drumul Taberei, Militari 
•  Sector 5: Rahova, Ferentari 
•  Parts of Sector 1 

Due to aging infrastructure and frequent breakdowns, this area is often affected by service interruptions or reduced pressure.

CET Grozăvești – mixed coverage, including central areas

CET Grozăvești has a more diverse coverage, supplying both residential and important central zones.

It covers:

•  Sector 6: Crângași, Giulești 
•  Sector 1: areas around Piața Victoriei and Grivița 
•  Central districts 

Thanks to its location, it can more efficiently support certain central areas, although it still depends on the overall condition of the network.

CET Progresu – supplying the southern districts

CET Progresu mainly serves the southern part of Bucharest and is essential for densely populated neighborhoods.

It covers:

•  Sector 4: Berceni – Progresu area 
•  Parts of Sector 5 

Although less frequently discussed than CET Vest, issues can still arise during periods of high demand.

CET Grivița – neighborhood-level plant

CET Grivița is a smaller plant that serves limited areas.

It covers:

•  Sector 1: Grivița – Gara de Nord area 

As a local plant, its impact is smaller compared to the main CETs, but it plays an important role in stabilizing supply in that specific area.

Why it is not always clear which CET you belong to

A key feature of Bucharest’s heating system is its interconnectivity. The network is designed as a loop, meaning CETs can take over from one another in case of failures or maintenance work.

This helps maintain service continuity, but it can also lead to:

•  pressure fluctuations 
•  delays in supply 
•  temperature differences between areas 

In addition, neighborhoods located at the end of the network, such as Aviației or parts of western Bucharest, are more vulnerable to disruptions due to their distance from the heat source.

Aging infrastructure, the main issue

Regardless of which CET supplies a specific area, one of the biggest problems remains the infrastructure. Much of the heating pipeline network is over 25 years old, leading to significant losses of water and heat.

Frequent breakdowns are not only related to the capacity of the CETs, but mainly to the condition of the distribution network. Even when production is sufficient, delivering thermal energy to consumers remains a challenge.

READ ALSO:

The district heating network in Bucharest: between history, problems, and solutions

How to build a credible electoral program: objective criteria for evaluating any candidate

What residents should know

For Bucharest residents, knowing which CET supplies their area may partly explain the frequency of heating or hot water issues, but it is not the only factor.

It is important to keep in mind that:

•  the system operates as a whole, not as isolated units 
•  breakdowns can affect large areas, regardless of the source 
•  upgrading the network is essential for improving services 

Without major and consistent investments in infrastructure, heating problems are likely to persist, even in areas considered better supplied.