Energy compensation to be available again this year

Citizens will continue to benefit this year from energy compensation during the cold season. President Maia Sandu noted that first of all, people with low incomes will receive compensation. The amount of compensation will depend on the resources available at the national level and the support provided by external partners, explained Maia Sandu.

“Compensation will be provided, and this was announced by the Prime Minister. But the question is how many resources can be identified domestically, how many resources can be attracted from our development partners, if more can be attracted, because you know that in previous years a large share of the money that went to compensation came from our external partners, especially EU member states and the European Union. (...) The Government is trying to identify resources for compensation, is doing all its calculations and will announce us at the right time how much it can help and whom it can help. As usual, the starting point is those with lower incomes, but it is obvious that energy resources continue to represent a high share in household expenses in the Republic of Moldova, and rising prices affect more people,” Maia Sandu said.

Maia Sandu assured that the authorities are monitoring developments on the energy market and are trying to anticipate possible price increases. At the same time, according to Maia Sandu, the authorities will invest in expanding renewable energy and storage capacities in order to reduce costs for consumers.

“We have made major efforts to increase renewable energy production, and now efforts are being made for storage, because if there is no storage, we sell cheaply during the day and buy expensively in the evening. We must still consume less during peak hours, because prices are very high then and afterwards we all pay. We will invest more in storage capacities, we will invest more in renewable energy, and I hope that in a year or two we will have greater independence,” the President said.

Maia Sandu also spoke about the pressures on the fuel and natural gas markets. She explained that the war in Iran and transport problems in the Black Sea region are affecting supply chains, while the supply of natural gas has decreased.

“All these are external factors and somehow they all are on the negative side. Certain prices, or for certain energy resources, have already been influenced; for others, if climatic conditions improve, if it starts to rain, there will be more electricity and then prices will be lower. But in any situation, it is clear that it will not be easy, and that is why the Government must prepare for the worst-case scenario,” the President added.

The maintenance of energy compensation for vulnerable households is planned in the Government’s program, led by Vasile Tofan, but the support will be more targeted. The authorities aim to link these measures to energy efficiency and to a more accurate assessment of the beneficiaries’ economic situation.