Prime Minister warns of critical situation in energy sector

The Republic of Moldova could face an unprecedented situation in the energy sector on Thursday, with the risk that the country may not be able to procure even emergency electricity, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan warned this evening on the talk show “Secretele Puterii” on Jurnal TV.

He said that forecasts for the following day are more unfavorable than those at present, and information received from the Ukrainian electricity transmission operator indicates that even emergency power, which is significantly more expensive, might not be available.

“Unfortunately, things look very bad for tomorrow in terms of energy. Much worse than today. Most likely, or very likely, we will not be able to buy even emergency power, that is, not even this emergency electricity, which costs two or three times more. At least this is the answer we have from Ukrenergo, the Ukrainian side,” the prime minister said.

In this context, Vasile Tofan issued an appeal to the population to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours, between 07:00 and 11:00 in the morning and between 18:00 and 21:00 in the evening.

“Once again, I want to take this opportunity to ask our dear citizens to be much more careful with the light they use. Run the washing machine, the iron and the air conditioner at hours other than from 7 to 11, and let us all be much more responsible,” he urged.

During the program, the host reported having received photos from viewers showing street lighting and other lighting fixtures operating in broad daylight, even though the authorities are calling for energy savings. Commenting on these images, the prime minister said that the authorities might be forced to resort to control measures if calls for responsibility are not heeded.

“We may have to start sending the police, sending inspectors, to turn off the lights in public places, in HoReCa, and elsewhere. But I do not want us to reach the point of coercive measures,” Vasile Tofan said.

In recent days, the Republic of Moldova has been facing difficulties in covering its electricity needs, against the backdrop of reduced hydro and nuclear production in the region and unfavorable hydrological conditions. The authorities have repeatedly urged the population and institutions to cut electricity consumption during peak hours in order to reduce pressure on the energy system and avoid potential imbalances in the grid.