Home appliances that use less energy, even when switched off – Government aligns national requirements with European standards

The Government today approved amendments to the regulatory framework on ecodesign requirements for energy-related products, in line with the latest European Union standards. The changes target several categories of products frequently used by citizens and businesses: household tumble dryers, fans, local space heaters and electrical equipment in standby mode.

The new provisions will help reduce energy consumption, lower costs for consumers and promote more durable products that are easier to repair and have a reduced environmental impact.

Among the new requirements is the obligation for manufacturers and importers to comply with stricter standards on energy efficiency and performance for products placed on the market. As a result, consumers will benefit over time from equipment that uses less electricity, has a longer service life and generates lower operating costs.

“In many homes there are invisible energy consumers – televisions, consoles, routers or other devices that continue to use electricity even when they appear to be switched off. This ‘phantom’ consumption adds up day by day and shows up on citizens’ bills. By applying European ecodesign standards, we ensure that new products placed on the market will use less energy, last longer and be easier to repair. It is one of the simplest ways to reduce household bills and strengthen the energy security of the Republic of Moldova,” said Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu.

For example, a device that is permanently in standby mode consumes energy 24 hours a day, even if it is not being used. Each watt consumed continuously means approximately 9 kWh of energy per year. In addition, an old television can consume 5–10 W in standby mode, even when it appears to be switched off. A modern television, compliant with current standards, consumes less than 0.5 W in standby, and the difference can mean savings of up to 80 kWh per year for a single device. Thus, a household with 10–15 devices permanently plugged in can pay thousands of lei per year for energy that brings no real benefit to the family.

The residential sector is one of the largest energy consumers in the Republic of Moldova, accounting for 43% of total consumption. In this context, energy efficiency measures applied to equipment and appliances used daily in homes can generate energy savings of up to 32.76 GWh per year and emission reductions of 16,620 tons of CO2 equivalent per year at national level.

The decision transposes into national legislation the latest European regulations on ecodesign and represents a further step in the process of integrating the Republic of Moldova into the European energy market and implementing the commitments undertaken under the Energy Community.