Moldova's National Crisis Management Commission approves new measures to ensure energy security, protect water resources

The National Crisis Management Commission (CNMC) today convened at a meeting chaired online by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan. The CNMC approved a string of measures to ensure the continuity of electricity, natural gas and fuel supplies, amid the state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors. The measures are necessary, in view of risks to the regional energy system, limited possibilities for importing electricity, volatility in the gas and fuel markets and the approaching cold season.

According to the decision, medical institutions, emergency services and critical infrastructure will have priority in electricity supply. At the same time, domestic electricity generation will be increased within the limits of technical capabilities. During peak hours, between 18:00 and 22:00, the capacities available for electricity exports will be limited. In the event of a deficit that cannot be covered commercially, Moldelectrica may request emergency assistance from operators in neighboring countries.

Measures have also been approved to maintain fuel supplies and protect the stocks available in the country. The transportation of oil products will be prioritized by rail and will benefit from dedicated lanes at border crossing points. The export and re-export of petrol and diesel from the Giurgiulesti International Free Port will be permitted only for quantities exceeding stocks of 2,500 tons of petrol and 7,500 tons of diesel, with the exceptions provided for certain operations and deliveries to Ukraine.

For standard diesel, ANRE will temporarily apply an adjusted formula for calculating the maximum retail price, taking into account developments on the international market.

During the state of emergency, diesel may be purchased, in addition to the vehicle tank, in consumer containers in quantities of up to 40 liters. For specialized mobile containers used to refuel agricultural machinery, the limit will be 100 liters.

Projects that can increase the country’s electricity generation and storage capacity will also be expedited. Procedures for connecting and commissioning photovoltaic and wind power plants and storage systems will be examined as a priority. Some authorization procedures will be temporarily simplified for projects that can be brought into operation quickly.

Starting from September 26, measures to reduce electricity consumption will be implemented, particularly during peak hours—06:00–09:00 and 18:00–22:00. In public buildings and commercial establishments, indoor lighting will be reduced, where possible, by at least 30 per cent, while decorative, architectural and advertising lighting will be switched off. Enterprises with high energy consumption will schedule energy-intensive processes outside peak hours.

Central and local public authorities will reduce institutional fuel consumption by at least 20 per cent, compared with the same period last year and electricity consumption for public lighting - by at least 50 per cent. The measures will not apply in situations where they could affect critical infrastructure and essential services.

During peak hours, citizens are advised to use electricity rationally and avoid using elevators whenever possible. Medical and healthcare institutions will not be disconnected from the electricity supply, except in the event of a major accident, and in such cases, they will be reconnected with absolute priority.

Another CNMC decision concerns the management of water resources, amid low water levels and flows in the Dniester and Prut rivers. The Environment Ministry will coordinate the response to the hydrological crisis, while the quantity and quality of water in the two basins will be monitored daily.

If the situation worsens, the available water will be used primarily to supply the population and meet sanitary needs, as well as the needs of medical and social institutions, schools, emergency services and critical infrastructure. At the same time, the water required to prepare centralized heating systems for the cold season, as well as the flow necessary to protect aquatic ecosystems will be provided.

For the duration of the state of emergency, water abstraction from the Dniester and Prut rivers for irrigation is suspended. Drinking water from public systems and water abstracted from surface sources will not be able to be used to irrigate lawns and green spaces; wash streets, sidewalks, courtyards, and facades; fill swimming pools and recreational ponds or supply decorative artesian fountains and ornamental ponds.

Water operators and local authorities will update their plans for situations in which water availability decreases. In localities where centralized water supply is affected, mobile water distribution may be organized, with priority given to medical and social institutions, schools, emergency services and the population of the affected localities.

To ensure water supply under low-flow conditions, the five high-capacity pumps transferred to S.A. Apa-Canal Chisinau will be kept ready for use. If necessary, tested artesian wells and other reserve underground sources will be connected. Local authorities may use reserve funds to purchase pumps, spare parts and the fuel required for generators at pumping stations. At the same time, the Environmental Protection Inspectorate will intensify inspections, in order to prevent unauthorized water abstraction, exceeding permitted volumes and irrational use of water.

The measures approved by the National Crisis Management Commission will enter into force on September 26, 2026.