115 years of history,
115 years of transformation
Discover our history by scrolling through the dates
The foundation of the AEM
Acea’s origins trace back to 1909 when it was founded as Azienda
Elettrica Municipale di Roma, or AEM (Municipal Electric Company
of Rome) to supply electricity for the city's public and private
lighting. In 1912, AEM inaugurated the Montemartini Power Plant,
which became a key part of the city's energy infrastructure.
The construction of the power plants
In 1926, AEM was renamed Azienda Elettrica del Governatorato di
Roma, or AEG (Electricity Company for the Governorship of Rome) as
the company expanded its operations. By this time, street lighting
in Rome had surged to nearly 18,000 lamps. AEG also expanded its
power generation capacity by upgrading the Castel Madama plant and
opening the Galileo Ferraris hydroelectric power plant.
Acquisition of the water service
As the demand for electricity grew with Rome's expanding
population, AEG further enlarged the Montemartini plant. In 1937,
AEG was tasked with managing the city's aqueducts and began
overseeing water supply services. To reflect this broader role,
the company was renamed Azienda Gubernatoriale Elettrica e Acqua,
or AGEA (Gubernatorial Electricity and Water Company).
The war and the struggle to recover
World War II brought immense challenges as power plants sustained
damage, but AGEA’s engineers worked quickly to restore
electricity. By 1945, the company—now called Azienda Comunale
Elettricità e Acque, or Acea (Municipal Electricity and Water
Company)—was back to supplying electricity regularly. The
Peschiera aqueduct, critical for water supply, became operational
in 1949.
Corporate plans for the city
In the post-war period, Acea focused on making Rome
self-sufficient in electricity and improving water systems. Key
projects included building new electricity substations and
completing the Peschiera aqueduct. In preparation for the 1960
Rome Olympics, Acea modernised the city's public lighting network.
Strengthening our position in the drinking water sector
Acea's role in Rome’s water services strengthened when it took
over management of the Marcio aqueduct in 1962. The company also
expanded its headquarters and continued enhancing the city's
lighting and water infrastructure, firmly establishing itself as
the primary provider of both utilities.
The creation of a great aqueduct system
Throughout the 1970s, Acea optimised its electricity distribution
system and invested heavily in water services, particularly in
reclaiming and modernising outer suburban areas. By 1979, the
company completed the Peschiera-Capore aqueduct system, one of the
largest in Europe, ensuring Rome’s water security.
Waste treatment and cogeneration
Acea diversified into waste treatment and launched cogeneration to
provide heating alongside electricity generation. In 1989, the
company rebranded as the Municipal Energy and Environment Company,
reflecting its broader focus on energy, water, and environmental
services.
Listing on the stock market
Acea underwent significant changes in the 1990s, becoming a listed
company on the Italian Stock Exchange in 1999. It expanded its
role in integrated water services, taking on new responsibilities
across the Lazio region, and developed a modern combined cycle
power plant to enhance energy efficiency.
The new trademark and entry into the overseas market
The new millennium saw Acea enter the international market,
securing contracts in South America and expanding its operations
across Italy. The company also ventured into the waste treatment
sector, continuing to lead in integrated water and energy
services.
Towards an increasingly digital, innovative and sustainable
company
Acea embraced digital transformation with the launch of platforms
like MyAcea for managing utility services. The company also
focused on sustainability, introducing strategic plans to support
infrastructure investments while addressing major water crises. By
2019, Acea had expanded into gas distribution and renewable
energy.
New growth path: Innovation, technology and
sustainability
Between 2020 and 2024, Acea solidified its position as one of
Italy’s top multi-utility companies, focusing on regulated
services like water, energy distribution, lighting, and waste
treatment. As the nation's leading water operator, Acea serves 10
million people while advancing sustainable infrastructure and
innovation.
In celebration of our 115-year legacy, we are proud to be leaders in the water sector and one of the top operators in electricity distribution, energy, and environmental services. As an integral part of the community, we dedicate our expertise, innovation, and passion to serving citizens, ensuring they enjoy reliable, high-quality essential services every day.
Our mission and our values drive us forward as we continue to shape a greener, more resilient future for all.
Acea is helping drive Italy's sustainable transformation through the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan). We’ve received €227 million in funding for 2021-2026. This money will be used for key water sector projects.
Our focus is on creating more sustainable and efficient infrastructure. This includes modernising the Peschiera aqueduct and improving water supply for Rome and its metro area. We’re also working to cut water losses with digital tools and better network monitoring. Plus, we’re upgrading our wastewater collection and treatment systems.
These efforts aim to make our infrastructure more resilient and to support the country's growth.
