The Moldovan government is stepping up to provide relief for its citizens as electricity tariffs witness significant increases. Announced by Alexei Buzu, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, these measures aim to shield households from the financial strain brought about by the new tariff rates.
On January 3, 2025, the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) approved the hike, setting new electricity rates at 4.10 lei/kWh for consumers served by Premier Energy and 4.68 lei/kWh for those under FEE-Nord. This steep rise is poised to affect many households, prompting the government to act swiftly.
Buzu disclosed during a press conference how the authorities will address the situation, stating, "A household already benefiting from compensation this winter season consuming up to 110 kWh per month will not feel these tariff increases because they will be compensated by the state." This initiative is particularly significant for families registered under the program "Help with Meter," which is aimed at supporting those who are most affected by rising energy costs.
To ease the burden, the state will cover the difference between the previous and increased tariffs for electricity consumption not designated for heating, starting with January 2025. Each household consuming up to 110 kWh monthly will receive compensation, which has been calculated based on last year’s average consumption figures. Buzu reiterated, "The amount of energy to be compensated was determined after analyzing last year's consumption. The average monthly consumption was found to be 138 kWh per month. The state will compensate 80%." This means significant support for many families during these challenging times.
The budget earmarked for compensation in December 2024 is half a billion lei, intended for nearly 680,000 households, reflecting the government’s commitment to mitigating the financial impact of these tariff hikes. This level of support highlights the broader challenges facing many Moldovans due to fluctuable energy prices and economic pressures.
Alongside the electricity subsidies, Buzu has also indicated plans to extend assistance to thermal energy costs, which have similarly increased and are set to impact household budgets. Consumers can expect more detailed information concerning the increased compensation for thermal energy services by February.
These compensation measures mark a significant effort by the Moldovan government to address the rising costs of utilities and their effects on everyday citizens. Highlighting the government's proactivity, not only will the impacted families receive immediate financial relief, but it also sets the stage for continued dialogue about energy pricing and subsidies within Moldova's broader economic framework.
Overall, the state's intentions of easing financial burdens through substantial subsidies could be seen as a roadmap for addressing future economic challenges related to energy pricing. The government's initiatives serve as reassurance to citizens who might be worried about what increased energy costs could mean for their household expenses moving forward.