Moldovan Official Journal's roundup for 31 July

Chisinau, 31 July /MOLDPRES/ - The new rates for gas and electricity for final consumers of Moldova have entered into force on 31 July, after being published in the Official Journal. According to the decisions by the National Agency for Energy Regulation, approved on 18 July, natural gas rates increased on average by 15.4 per cent and electricity ones - by 30 - 36 per cent.

Thus, households consuming up to 30 cubic meters per month will pay 6,887 lei (excluding the value-added tax, which is 8 per cent) for 1,000 cubic meters, while consumption above 30 cubic meters per month will increase up to 7,175 lei per one thousand cubic meters.

The rate will be 6,345 lei per 1 thousand cubic meters for economic agents connected to high pressure gas distribution systems, for medium pressure networks - 6,698 lei, and low pressure networks – 7,175 lei for 1,000 cubic meters.

Household consumers connected to low voltage networks powered by Gas Natural Fenosa Energy Supply will pay a price of 2.16 lei for 1 kilowatt / hour (kWh); those connected to medium-voltage networks - a rate of 1.95 lei per 1 kWh and consumers connected to high voltage networks – 1.68 lei per 1 kWh.

Household consumers connected to low voltage networks powered by RED Nord (northern power distribution grid) will pay a price of 2.23 lei per 1 kilowatt / hour, while those connected to medium-voltage networks - a price of 2.02 lei. The population in the service area of RED Nord-Vest will pay 2.33 lei for 1 kWh and economic agents connected to medium-voltage networks - a rate of 2.07 lei per 1 kWh.

According to estimations by experts, after rates increase, each family will monthly pay by 300-400 lei more than at present. The government has already announced that it would examine possibility of providing financial aid to socially vulnerable families.

(Reporter V. Bercu, Editor M. Jantovan)