In Moldova, electricity and heating tariffs have been increased.
The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) made the decision on Friday at the request of suppliers.
According to a statement from ANRE, the tariff for electricity supplied by Premier Energy will rise by 75% - from 2.34 lei/kWh to 4.10 lei/kWh (the supplier requested 5.13 lei/kWh). Premier Energy is a Czech company serving consumers in over 70% of the republic's territory.
The electricity tariff for FEE Nord (which serves consumers in more than 20% of northern Moldova) will increase by 65% - from 2.84 lei to 4.68 lei/kWh (the supplier requested 4.53 lei).
ANRE has also established new tariffs for thermal energy. For consumers serviced by Termoelectrica, it will rise by 38% - from 1824 lei to 2510 lei (the supplier requested a tariff of 2564 lei/Gcal). Termoelectrica provides services to consumers in Chișinău and central Moldova.
For consumers served by CET Nord, tariffs will increase by 16% - from 1819 lei to 2126 lei/Gcal (the supplier requested 2612 lei/Gcal). CET Nord supplies heat to residents of Bălți and northern Moldova.
The new tariffs take effect from the date of publication in the Monitorul Oficial.
The increase is associated with Moldova importing about 50% of its electricity from Romania since January 1, at prices significantly higher than before the new year. Until December 31, 2024, Moldova purchased approximately 70% of its electricity from the Moldovan GRES in Transnistria, which was generated from Russian gas that Transnistria did not pay for to Gazprom.
Following the cessation of Russian gas supplies through Ukraine, there have been electricity shortages on the right bank of the Dniester. On the left bank, electricity is generated using coal reserves, but gas and heating supplies to the apartments of Transnistrian residents have been halted, and all industrial enterprises (except for utilities, hospitals, and social facilities) are shut down.
Since January 1, energy-saving measures have been implemented in Moldova. According to a plan approved by the National Emergency Commission at the end of December, public and commercial buildings reduced internal lighting by at least 30% where technically feasible. Complete shutdown of lights in areas not involved in work processes became mandatory. Furthermore, festive lighting in Chișinău has been cut by half since January 1.
From January 1, all electricity generated in Moldova is directed solely to the domestic market. Export is only possible on weekends and holidays; a ban is in place during other hours.