Moldovan government approves proposal to declare 60-day state of emergency in energy sector, following Russia's attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure

The government will propose to parliament the declaration of a state of emergency in the energy sector for 60 days, starting from March 25, 2026. This will allow the authorities to act quickly and in a coordinated manner, and to intervene with the necessary measures to protect the country’s and citizens’ energy security, in the context of the current situation in the energy sector. The main power line supplying Moldova – the Vulcanesti–Isaccea line – was disconnected following Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure.

The Vulcanesti–Isaccea overhead power line is the main electricity import artery, providing between 60 and 70 per cent of consumption on the right bank of Dniester. The estimated deficit is up to 350–400 MW during peak hours, starting from March 25. The reconnection process is hampered by the need to locate drone debris near the affected infrastructure on the Ukrainian side, with demining operations required before technical teams can safely intervene.

“What is happening today in the energy sector is not an accident. Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure represent a war crime, as well as an attack against us, here in Moldova,” said Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. He  also referred to the serious situation caused by the pollution of the Dniester River, likewise following an attack by the Russian Federation.

Under these conditions, declaring a state of emergency will allow the authorities to act rapidly and in a coordinated manner:

it enables the swift adoption of decisions to secure energy resources, including by derogating from standard procurement rules, in order to guarantee continuity of supply to citizens;

it facilitates the allocation of resources needed for purchasing energy and emergency equipment;

it allows the government, if necessary, to order consumption rationing and to impose special operating rules for economic operators, so that critical economic facilities and social institutions are protected.

At present, consumers of Moldova are supplied with electricity produced from domestic sources, as well as through imports via alternative routes, including the four 110 kV interconnection lines with Romania. They were tested as early as last summer in anticipation of such situations and have proven effective, including during the outages on 31 January, which were also caused by Russian attacks against Ukraine. Consumers are urged to save electricity, especially during peak hours, and to follow only official sources for updates.

Technical teams continue constant monitoring and on-site inspections, in order to safely repair the fault and restore the normal work of the energy infrastructure.

The decision to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector for 60 days, starting on March 25, 2026, will be presented to parliament today.

“This is not a political moment. It is a moment of mobilization and consolidation. I call on all institutions to act immediately, to step out of ordinary routine and enter intervention mode. For citizens, the message is clear: we use resources rationally. Water, energy, consumption – every decision matters. We will overcome this crisis as well, with safety and dignity,” emphasized Prime Minister Munteanu.