Government to Compensate Energy Bills Amid Tariff Increases

The Moldovan government has announced compensation measures to shield citizens from the recent electricity tariff hikes approved by the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE). Labour and Social Protection Minister Alexei Buzu stated that no household will pay a higher energy price than in the previous year, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES

Starting in January 2025, the government will subsidize up to 110 kWh of monthly electricity consumption per household, including non-heating usage. This support extends to households already registered in the Assistance at Meter system.

"For the period of January to March 2025, households consuming up to 110 kWh per month will not feel the tariff increases, as these costs will be fully compensated," Buzu assured. The 110 kWh threshold represents 80% of average consumption for the same period last year, encouraging more efficient energy use.

The tariff increases stem from Russia’s gas supply suspension via Gazprom, which has impacted Moldova’s energy sector. To meet demand, the country will rely on local production, renewable energy, and imports from Romania.

The government has allocated half a billion lei in compensation for December 2024 alone, benefiting 680,000 households comprising 1.38 million people.

ANRE's newly approved tariffs set rates at 4.1 lei per kWh for Premier Energy consumers and 4.68 lei per kWh for those served by FEE Nord. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has called for additional measures to support citizens and businesses during this challenging period.

Moldova remains in a state of emergency as authorities work to mitigate the impacts of energy shortages and rising costs.