Moldova warns of evening power cuts amid 25% energy deficit
Moldova may begin implementing rolling blackouts during peak evening hours if projected electricity deficits cannot be covered by emergency supplies, Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu warned.
The crisis follows the shutdown of the Isaccea–Vulcănești power line, a critical import route from Romania. The disruption occurred after recent strikes on energy infrastructure in neighbouring Ukraine.
"We managed to secure energy for March 25-26 without emergency interventions," Junghietu told PRO TV. "However, the latest auction results for the coming days do not look good."
The minister explained that technical limitations on 100kV lines prevent emergency imports through most routes. Only the Bălți connection remains viable for such transfers.
State energy trader Energocom confirmed that the supply gap could reach 280 MWh per hour between 18:00 and 22:00. This represents approximately 25% of the country's total consumption.
Repair work on the damaged line began on Thursday. Ukrainian operators are leading the intervention, though progress depends on the volatile security situation near the border.
"Equipment and personnel were mobilized yesterday," Junghietu said. "In the longest-case scenario, repairs will take seven days, provided weather and security conditions allow."
Authorities stated that any power cuts will be applied on a rotating basis. Critical infrastructure and public institutions will remain prioritised on protected lists.
In the meantime, the government has urged citizens to significantly reduce electricity consumption during evening hours to stabilize the national grid.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
