Moldova introduces state of emergency for a period of 60 days from December 16
The corresponding decision was adopted by the Parliament on the proposal of the government, based on the report of the Commission for Emergency Situations, taking into account that the insufficiency of energy resources directly and indirectly affects the security of the state and citizens. As the government representatives noted, the suspension of natural gas supplies to the Transnistrian region by Gazprom may create a humanitarian crisis in the region, as well as create risks for the operation and stability of Moldova's energy sector. In this case, the involvement of a number of Moldovan authorities and financial assistance from development partners will be required. The electricity deficit will be covered by purchases on the Romanian electricity exchange, administered by the Romanian market operator OPCOM, within the net transfer capacities (NTC) for electricity imports from the ENTSO-E bidding zone to the Ukraine-Moldova common regulatory block. However, the situation is aggravated by the limited net transfer capacities allocated to Ukraine and Moldova. As a consequence, in addition to the impossibility to increase the commercial capacity limit between Romania and Moldova above the value of 315 MW, there is a risk that imported electricity will become more expensive and it will be impossible to cover the entire deficit. The vulnerability is also aggravated by the fact that the Isaccea-Vulcanesti power line crosses the territory of Ukraine, which makes it vulnerable to interruptions in case of new attacks on the neighboring country's energy infrastructure. According to the Cabinet of Ministers, the introduction of the state of emergency is necessary because it enables the immediate application of a series of measures through the Commission for Emergency Situations (CES). They will be aimed at preventing, reducing and eliminating the consequences of the situation that caused the state of emergency. In particular, a special regime for the purchase of electricity and natural gas at an accelerated pace could be established and money could be allocated for this purpose. In the same way, decisions could be made to authorize suppliers and system operators to act and purchase, transport or distribute electricity and natural gas throughout the country. Also, through the provisions of the CES, it will be possible to ensure the rationalization of energy consumption, if necessary, and to take measures to protect the public. During the state of emergency, the Commission for Emergency Situations of Moldova will issue binding decisions for the heads of central and local public administration authorities, economic agents, state institutions, as well as for citizens and other persons on the territory of Moldova. In order to ensure their rapid impact, the orders of the Moldovan Commission for Emergency Situations will enter into force from the moment of their adoption. //13.12.2024 - InfoMarket.
