Moldova is implementing a pilot program to install smart meters for the subsequent introduction of differentiated tariffs for electricity
The Ministry of Energy reported this, noting that in the context of the implementation of the pilot program for the installation of smart meters, which is part of the national plan for the digitalization of the energy sector launched by the Moldovan government, through the Ministry of Energy, with the support of the United Nations Development Program in Moldova (UNDP), the ministry held a working meeting with the participation of system operators, electricity suppliers and regulators: FEE-Nord, RED-Nord, ANRE, Moldelectrica, PED, PE Furnizare and UNDP. Cristina Pereteatcu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, said that the implementation of the project, as well as the development of a cost-benefit analysis, is a condition for accessing macro-financial assistance, and delaying these processes will reduce the credibility of the implementation of such projects. “This pilot program will contribute to the digitalization of the energy sector, and smart meters will be a necessary step for the introduction of differentiated electricity tariffs based on the time of consumption. “Smart grids will allow better management of consumption and integration of more locally produced renewable energy, and ultimately reduce energy dependence and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Cristina Pereteatcu. During the meeting, issues related to the specifics of applying tariff coefficients for determining regulated prices for electricity supply under the demonstration projects were discussed. In addition, the method of informing/convincing beneficiaries that they can benefit from differentiated tariffs as a result of installing smart metering equipment was considered, and the impact of the project should be analyzed through public opinion poll. The Ministry of Energy recalled that the first batch of smart meters is currently being installed at end consumers in a number of settlements as part of a pilot program. Later the program will be expanded thanks to the financial assistance of the Italian Government provided through UNDP. Some of the meters are installed by Premier Energy Distribution in Chisinau and 6 of its suburbs, and some by RED Nord in the northern region, including the suburbs of Balti. The meters are installed in households selected on the basis of geographical location, population density, level of energy vulnerability, socio-economic status, and availability of infrastructure. In the European Union, more than 50% of the meters are of smart type, which allowed reducing commercial consumption in the network by up to 15% and technical consumption by 5%. // 06.09.2024 – InfoMarket
