EcoVoucher Program: 3,000 more Moldovan families to buy new appliances with EU support
About 3,000 families in the Republic of Moldova will benefit from new household appliances through the latest round of the Household Appliances Voucher Program, which was launched on Monday, March 30, with financial support from the European Union (EU). The vouchers will be prioritized for families with the most children and for individuals over 63 years old.
The program has expanded its list of beneficiaries for the first time, allocating a special 10% quota for individuals with severe disabilities, in addition to large families and the elderly. The selection of beneficiaries will depend on each household's logistical needs.
Thanks to this government initiative, households can reduce their electricity consumption and expenses by replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient models.
With a total budget estimated at one million euros, the current round of the Ecovoucher Program is funded by the EU through the project "Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in the Republic of Moldova," implemented by GIZ.
“The EU is proud to support initiatives that encourage Moldovan citizens to make responsible and sustainable choices in their daily lives. By facilitating access to modern, energy-efficient household appliances, this program helps reduce energy consumption, lower household costs, and lower carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to a greener, more resilient future for Moldova. Behind each voucher is a household that will consume less energy and pay lower bills,” stated EU Ambassador to Chisinau, Iwona Piórko.
Beneficiaries will receive vouchers worth 6,000 lei, which will cover up to 70% of the price of eligible appliances, such as refrigerators (including those with integrated freezers) and washing machines, but not exceeding the voucher value.
Each appliance purchased through the program must meet energy efficiency criteria and European Conformity standards.
To qualify, beneficiaries must be registered in the "Energy Vulnerability" Information System. They will receive notifications via SMS or email about voucher availability, which can be accessed online. To redeem a voucher, beneficiaries must return a used household appliance of the same type.
This initiative is part of the Government and the EU's collaborative efforts to improve energy efficiency in the residential sector and promote more sustainable and responsible energy consumption.
“The EcoVoucher program has consistently demonstrated real impact through measurable results since its inception. The savings recorded since the program's launch have exceeded initial expectations and confirm the positive effect of this mechanism on family budgets, which will continue through 2026," declared Ion Muntean, director of the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED).
According to CNED data, a total of 40,033 large household appliances have been replaced since the program's launch. The total savings generated exceed 6.5 million kWh, which is equivalent to over 24 million lei.
Authorities estimate that the more than 40,000 pieces of equipment installed since the start of the program will generate annual savings of approximately 8.15 million kWh, equivalent to about 30.1 million lei.
