EXPLAINER

How Moldova’s differentiated tariffs can help you save on energy

From today, January 20th, differentiated electricity tariffs will come into effect. The introduction of these tariffs gives consumers in the Republic of Moldova the opportunity to optimize costs by adjusting their energy consumption.

Electricity used during the night, from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, is cheaper than electricity consumed during the day, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. To benefit from this option, the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) states that it is important to understand how the differentiated tariffs work and the steps required to apply them in your household or business.

What are differentiated tariffs?

Cheaper electricity at night. For the first time in the Republic of Moldova, differentiated tariffs based on consumption hours will be applied.

Differentiated tariffs mean lower prices for electricity consumed at night, from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and higher prices during the day, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. This presents an opportunity for consumers who can adjust their consumption by moving certain household activities (such as doing laundry or charging appliances) to nighttime hours.

For residential consumers in the central and southern parts of the country, served by Premier Energy, a tariff of 4.32 lei per kWh will apply from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and 3.31 lei per kWh from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Residential consumers in the northern region, served by FEE Nord, will have a daytime tariff of 4.89 lei per kWh and a nighttime tariff of 3.90 lei per kWh.

Who can benefit?

All consumers, both residential and non-residential, can switch to differentiated tariffs, but they must have a meter that can record consumption by time intervals.

Modern electronic meters:

Most meters already installed have this function, and only need to be programmed.

Old meters:
If your meter does not record hourly consumption, you will need to purchase a new one, at your own cost.

How to switch to differentiated tariffs?

Check your existing meter, contact your system operator (Premier Energy or FEE Nord), and inquire whether your current meter can be programmed for differentiated consumption. If not, install a new meter. If you need a compatible meter, you can purchase one from your system operator or authorized dealers. Ensure it is verified for accuracy.

Submit a request: Ask your system operator to program or install the new meter.

Update your contract with the provider: Once the meter is ready, notify your energy provider to update your contract and apply the differentiated tariffs.

How to save?

To truly benefit from the differentiated tariffs, you need to analyze your consumption habits. Shift the use of high-energy appliances – such as washing machines, clothes dryers, or electric boilers – to the nighttime hours.

What you need to know before switching to differentiated tariffs:

Analyze your consumption! If most of your energy is used during the day, switching to differentiated tariffs may not be cost-effective.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

Bogdan Nigai

Bogdan Nigai

Author

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