Italy contributes to enhancement of Moldova's energy security

Chisinau, 21 November /MOLDPRES/ -  Moldova will benefit from 10 million euros on behalf of Italy for the compensation of the energy invoices, setting of smart electric energy meters and improvement of buildings’  energy efficiency. An agreement to this effect has been signed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the cabinet of Italy at the government’s headquarters, the government’s communication and protocol department reported.    
Attending the event were Ambassador of Italy to Moldova Lorenzo Tomassoni, UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova Daniela Gasparikova, Energy Minister Victor Parlicov and Labour and Social Protection Minister Alexei Buzu.  
The agreement signed will contribute to the compensation of the expenses for energy of the energy vulnerable households on the next heating period. At the same time, with the support of the Italian side, meters are to be set, which will help for a more rational use of electricity, especially in the peak hours. Due to the smart networks, the consumers will able to opt for flexible tariffs and will be able to use household appliances during the hours when the electric energy is cheaper.  
Photovoltaic panels will be set on more public buildings, including hospitals, with the support of the government of Italy and UNDP. Thus, the institutions will be able to significantly cut the costs for energy and the savings might be directed to improve the essential services provided to residents. At the same time, the associations of owners will be helped to implement energy rehabilitation measures in residential buildings, such as insulation of blocks of flats, replacement of windows, thermal insulation of facades and modernization of the heating distribution systems.    
The Energy Vulnerability Fund was created by Moldova’s government in 2022, with the support of the European Union, Slovakia and UNDP. During the 2022-2023 heating season, about 895,000 households benefited from compensations in invoice and thus, the level of poverty was reduced by 43 per cent.