A sharp increase in natural gas prices on the regional and international markets may affect the results of negotiations between Gazprom and Moldovagaz, but ANRE expects to approve contracts for gas supplies to Moldova starting October 1, 2021.
According to the energy regulator, this was discussed during the meeting of the representatives of the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) with the representatives of the World Bank, who are on a working visit to Moldova. The parties discussed the progress made by ANRE in the adoption, implementation and application of regulatory and tariff standards in the field of natural gas, heat energy, electricity, as well as the procedure for reorganization and certification of system operators in the field of natural gas and electricity transmission. Representatives of ANRE informed about the achievements in the development and expansion of the regulatory framework in the field of regulation by adopting the best and most relevant experience. Regarding the heat sector, ANRE announced the completion of the determination of the main costs and investments for JSC Termoelectrica, which received assistance from the World Bank to modernize and improve the efficiency of its activities. ANRE has approved $42.5 million provided by the World Bank for Termoelectrica for tariff purposes and encourages the implementation of the next stage of modernization and investments totaling about 92 million euros. In the natural gas sector, the panellists noted that the sharp increase in natural gas prices in the regional and international markets could affect the results of negotiations between Gazprom and Moldovagaz, but at the same time, ANRE expects contracts for gas supplies to Moldova from 1 October 2021 for their approval. Also, the representatives of the World Bank asked questions regarding the process of detachment of the transmission system operator Moldovatransgaz. In this matter, despite the efforts undertaken by ANRE along with the Energy Community Secretariat, no significant progress has been achieved. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue cooperation. Thus, the World Bank team confirmed its readiness to provide ANRE specialists with technical assistance and training to build institutional capacity in the field of regulation of activity spheres and master the most useful platforms, including IT in this area. // 14.09.2021 - InfoMarket
