End consumers can benefit from compensation from energy vulnerability reduction fund

Chisinau, Oct. 12 /MOLDPRES/- The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MMPS) today launched the Energy Vulnerability Information System (SIVE) - the online platform that allows the registration and processing of requests for compensation of the population's energy consumption expenses: www.compensatii.gov.md, the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

SIVE was developed by the Government of the Republic of Moldova, with the financial support of the European Union and the Government of Slovakia, offered through the program Addressing the impact of the energy crisis in the Republic of Moldova, implemented by UNDP Moldova. The program supported the creation of the fund, the development of the information system, the training of social workers, the creation and operation of the call center, as well as the implementation of the information campaign dedicated to the energy vulnerability reduction fund.

"We are going through a difficult period, and the Government of the Republic of Moldova is making every effort to reduce the impact of current energy prices. Since the majority of the population is vulnerable, we estimate that around 90% of families will benefit from compensation. They will be allocated according to the category of vulnerability, which will make the system fairer", said Marcel Spatari, Minister of Labor and Social Protection, during the press conference on the occasion of the launch of the SIVE.

"The Green Climate Deal and the EU's global growth plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 underline the need to mainstream the goal of alleviating energy poverty and support a fair energy transition for all, so that we leave no one out ", said Magdalena Mueller-Uri, head of the Cooperation Section, EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.

"I am delighted that the creation of this unique concept and the development of the platform were financially supported by the Slovak official development assistance through SlovakAid. Slovakia is a stable long-term partner of the Republic of Moldova in the development and humanitarian assistance, with bilateral cooperation already spanning over 13 years," said Pavol Ivan, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the Republic of Moldova.

“With so many people facing a cost of living crisis, rising winter heating prices will hit already struggling households even deeper. Therefore, offsetting the bills in these difficult times is essential to mitigate the increased level of energy vulnerability. UNDP is honored to support the Government of the Republic of Moldova on this essential dimension, together with the European Union and the Government of Slovakia. Next, the Energy Vulnerability Fund will include support for the implementation of energy efficiency measures, targeting particularly vulnerable households, to support them in the long term in their efforts to reduce energy bills", said Andrea Cuzyova, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova.

In order to benefit from compensation, household consumers are urged to register on the website www.compensatii.gov.md for the assignment of the category of energy vulnerability, based on which the amount of compensation will be calculated. For this purpose, five categories of energy vulnerability have been identified – from very high to non-vulnerable.

It is recommended to register in the system by 15 November. At the beginning of November, the Government is to approve differentiated tariffs for the consumption of energy resources.

The assignment of the energy vulnerability category will be made based on a coefficient calculated as a ratio expressed in percentages between the expenses for energy resources and the disposable income of the family for the payment of energy.

To help consumers register in the system, a government hotline 0 8000 5000 was also launched, where information will be provided on the procedure for requesting compensation, the criteria for assigning the vulnerability category, access and registration on the online platform. People who do not have access to IT equipment or do not have the knowledge to register online, will be able to call on the support of social workers or local librarians.

Previously, UNDP conducted a study on the impact of the increase in the price of energy resources on the energy poverty of the population, which found that 60% of the Moldovan population lives in energy poverty, spending more than 10% of their income on energy bills.

With a total budget of 10 million euros, the program Addressing the impact of the energy crisis in the Republic of Moldova contributes to the fight against climate change by reducing the impact of the energy crisis and alleviating the burden of energy poverty

Photo: Government