State to be able to respond more quickly in event of energy emergency

Parliament today passed a bill in second reading that introduces a set of measures to ensure faster and more flexible state intervention in the event of an energy alert or crisis. The initiative was supported by 59 MPs and aims to harmonize the regulatory framework in the fields of energy, fuels, transportation and public procurement.

The bill was drafted by a group of MPs from the Action and Solidarity Party faction, within a working group established under the Committee on Economy, Budget, and Finance, with the participation of the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, and the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE).

According to the document, in energy crisis situations, ANRE will be able to introduce temporary exemptions from the usual rules regarding fuel price formation, at the proposal of the National Crisis Management Center. These measures may include adjusting the reference period or using alternative Platts quotations to more accurately reflect market developments.

In addition, the requirement that fuel be transported exclusively through oil depots is being eliminated, which will allow for direct delivery to gas stations, in order to reduce logistics times and the strain on existing infrastructure.

The draft also provides for changes in the area of public procurement. In the event of cost fluctuations exceeding 15%, according to official statistical data, contracting authorities will be able to adjust ongoing contracts.

The authors argue that the measures are necessary given the volatility of energy markets and rising costs of fuel and construction materials, which are affecting companies’ ability to carry out their projects.

The new provisions will take effect after publication in the Official Journal of the Republic of Moldova.