ANRE to set up uniform gas distribution tariffs throughout country

Lawmakers have adopted today in the second reading a bill aimed at strengthening the country's energy security and includes provisions for establishing uniform natural gas distribution tariffs.

One of the key elements of the new provisions is the introduction of a uniform distribution tariff, based on the pressure level of the networks, applicable nationwide. The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) will be responsible for developing the methodological framework and approving these tariffs.

Until now, distribution tariffs varied by enterprise, with the lowest being in Chișinău and the highest in Taraclia. Harmonized distribution tariffs across the country will allow suppliers to expand their activities throughout the Republic of Moldova and create more competitive conditions for purchasing natural gas for end consumers.

Moreover, large industrial enterprises consuming a large volume of natural gas will transition to the competitive free market, following a schedule approved by the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE), exclusively on the free natural gas market, benefiting from competitive supply prices.

The legislative amendments also stipulate the establishment of mandatory natural gas reserves, equivalent to 15% of the average annual consumption, a responsibility that will fall on all suppliers.

A new mechanism will allow ANRE to designate entities to supply gas to the Transnistrian region as well, thus ensuring the coverage of the minimum necessary consumption.

The document will come into effect upon its publication in the Official Journal.

Currently, over 830,000 natural gas end consumers are registered in the Republic of Moldova, of which approximately 16,000 are non-household.