Electricity tariffs in Moldova could drop after a new power supply line from Transnistria comes online
Moldova faces a potential cut in electricity tariffs by about 25 percent thanks to added energy from a power plant in Transnistria. This possibility was highlighted on a Telegram channel by Andrei Spinu, who serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development in Moldova.
Spinu explained that once a contract with Moldavskaya GRES is in force, current tariff increases would pause. He projected a concrete path toward a 25 percent reduction, bringing the price to around 4 lei per kilowatt hour, roughly 0.20 USD. These figures reflect the real expectations from a smoother, more affordable electricity supply for consumers in the coming months.
In addition to tariff considerations, Spinu noted that the Emergencies Commission would announce its revision, and the National Energy Regulatory Authority plans to resize its operations in December. The timing suggests a coordinated effort to align regulation with the new energy flow, ensuring stability for households and businesses as the market adjusts.
Earlier, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita confirmed that Moldova has replenished its gas reserves, amassing about 230 million cubic meters. This stockpile would cover roughly two months if gas supplies were interrupted entirely. Since Chisinau does not maintain its own storage facilities, the nation’s emergency buffers are stored in neighboring countries, including Ukraine and Romania, providing a strategic cushion in times of strain.
Prior to these developments, Vadim Cheban, who chairs the board of the Moldovagaz gas distributor, indicated plans to increase December gas purchases. The target is to raise imports from 5.7 million cubic meters to 9.2 million cubic meters, drawing from alternative suppliers rather than relying solely on Gazprom, the Russian state-backed company. This shift underscores Moldova’s effort to diversify its gas sources and enhance energy security.
Analysts note that the convergence of a new electricity route from Transnistria with a strengthened gas procurement strategy could improve overall energy reliability for Moldova. If realized, households could benefit from more predictable pricing during winter months, while industrial users might experience steadier production costs. The conversation around tariffs remains closely tied to regulatory decisions, contract terms with Moldavskaya GRES, and the capacity of the regional energy market to absorb the changed supply mix.
Government and industry observers emphasize the importance of transparent communication as Moldova navigates this period of transition. With regulatory bodies adjusting policies and suppliers aligning their logistics, the country aims to maintain affordable energy for consumers and stable energy prices for businesses. The ongoing developments will continue to unfold over the coming weeks, with official statements and market updates expected to clarify the exact timing and scale of tariff changes. Source: official government briefings and industry notifications.