DOC // Published in Official Journal of Moldova: special measures to protect energy system, reduce consumption during state of emergency enter into force

The authorities will implement a string of special measures to protect the energy system and reduce consumption during the emergency state. They were included in a decision approved by the government, which was published in the Official Journal today and entered into force.

The approved measures also target the cutting of electricity consumption in public and commercial buildings, where lighting will be reduced by at least 30 per cent, and the use of decorative or advertising elements will be limited.

Industrial activities with high energy consumption will be rescheduled outside peak hours, and water supply systems will operate in an adjusted mode, in order to reduce pressure on the power grid.

For citizens’ safety, administrators of residential buildings are urged to inform residents about the risks of using elevators during peak consumption hours, between 06:00 and 09:00 and 17:00 and 23:00, in order to avoid possible blockages.

The document maintains the restriction on electricity exports between 17:00 and 21:00. At the same time, the decision stipulates that medical and healthcare institutions, critical infrastructure and vulnerable consumers have absolute priority in power supply.

At the same time, urban combined heat and power plants will ensure, at the request of the transmission system operator, an increase in electricity production up to the maximum available level, while respecting the operational safety of installations and without compromising the continuity of heat supply.

As for the supply of oil products, the authorities have established measures to maintain sufficient stocks on the domestic market. The export or re-export of these products from the Giurgiulesti Port will be allowed only if certain minimum reserve levels are exceeded, namely if stocks exceed 5,000 tons for petrol and 25,000 tons for diesel.

The Energy Ministry will daily present monitoring reports on the situation in the energy sector.

The parliament of Moldova has declared a state of emergency nationally for a period of 60 days, starting from March 25, 2026, after the main power line supplying Moldova – the Vulcanesti–Isaccea line – was disconnected following Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure.

The decision was taken at a proposal by the government, which reasoned the need to introduce the state of emergency by the fact that it will allow the authorities to act quickly and protect citizens.