Moldova's PM assures no rise in electricity prices for six months
Prime Minister Dorin Recean has reiterated his assurance that electricity prices will not increase, at least for the next six months.
He also urged everyone to conserve electricity, especially during peak hours, to avoid buying expensive power from international markets.
"For the right bank of the Dniester, we have considered all the risks that could arise in the next six months, and at this point, there are no indications that prices will rise. We continue to ask everyone to conserve electricity, especially during peak hours. And then, certainly, there will be no reason to raise tariffs," said Dorin Recean on Thursday, after a working visit to settlements in the Security Zone.
It is important to note that these statements follow a 75% increase in electricity prices on January 4, due to the halt in cheap electricity supplies from Cuciurgan, which can no longer operate because of the interruption of gas deliveries by Gazprom on the left bank of the Dniester.
Currently, Moldova relies on electricity from the following sources:
- Termoelectrica S.A. – 33.16%
- SA "CET-Nord" – 4.83%
- State Enterprise "NHE Costești" – 0.56%
- Renewable energy – 15.03%
- Electricity imports from Romania – 46.42%
On January 9, Moldova imported electricity at a price of 114-118 euros/MWh, almost double the previous cost of 66 USD/MWh (around 63 euros), as set in the contract with the Cuciurgan Power Plant (MGRES). Constantin Borosan, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, stated that authorities are working to keep import costs below the level set by the regulated tariff.
It is worth noting that in September 2024, ahead of the presidential election campaign, Prime Minister Dorin Recean assured the public that gas and electricity tariffs would not rise. He further dismissed as rumors the claims that heating costs would increase in winter. However, tariffs for gas, electricity, and heating were later increased.
"The election campaign has not yet started, but, as if by design, an attack with false information has begun, particularly regarding gas and electricity tariffs. The government cannot predict what will happen on the international market, but we assure everyone that Moldovans will not face higher tariffs for gas and electricity this season," said Recean.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
