Moldova raises electricity, heating tariffs

Electricity and heating tariffs have been raised in Moldova in line with a decision adopted by the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) on Friday at suppliers' request.

Prices for electricity supplied by Premier Energy will increase by 75% from 2.34 lei/kWh to 4.10 lei/kWh, though the company initially requested a price of 5.15 lei/kWh, the ANRE press service said in a statement. Premier Energy is a Czech company that supplies electricity to consumers on more than 70% of Moldovan territory.

Prices for electricity supplied by FEE Nord, which serves consumers on more than 20% of Moldovan territory in the country's north, will go up 65% from 2.84 lei/kWh to 4.68 lei/kWh. The price requested by the company was 4.53 lei/kWh.

ANRE has also approved new heating tariffs. Thus, the prices for Termoelectrica clients will be increased 38% from 1,824 lei/Gcal to 2,510 lei/Gcal. The new price sought by the supplier was 2,564 lei/Gcal. Termoelectrica supplies heating to consumers in Chisinau and the central part of Moldova.

Meanwhile, the CET Nord company's prices will go up 16% from 1,819 lei/Gcal to 2,126 lei/Gcal compared to a price of 2,612 lei/Gcal requested by company, which supplies heating to Balti and to the north of Moldova.

The new tariffs enter into force on the day of their publication in Monitorul Oficial.

The hike in tariffs has taken place because Moldova has been importing nearly 50% of electricity from Romania since January 1 at prices that are far higher than they were before 2025. Until December 31, 2024, Moldova bought some 70% of its electricity from the Moldavskaya GRES power plant in Transdniestria. This power was generated from Russian gas, for which Transdniestria did not pay to Gazprom.

The right bank of the Dniester River encountered power shortages after the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory was stopped. The left bank is using coal to generate electricity, but gas and heating supplies have been halted to apartments in Transdniestria. All industrial enterprises have suspended operations except crucial infrastructure, hospitals and social facilities.

Electricity-saving measures came into effect in Moldova on January 1. In accordance with the plan endorsed by the National Emergency Situations Commission in late December 2024, from January 1 public and commercial buildings reduced their outside lighting by at least 30% where technically possible. A total switch-off of lights in premises that are not involved in the operational process became mandatory. Festive lighting in Chisinau was also reduced by 50% from January 1.

All electricity produced in Moldova starting January 1 is being supplied only to the domestic market. Exports are possible only on weekends and holidays, while there is a ban on exports during other hours.