There are currently no prerequisites for reducing electricity prices for end consumers in Moldova – NAER
Following recent public discussions on electricity prices, the National Agency for Energy Regulation has made a number of clarifications in order to correctly inform consumers and ensure a stable climate in the energy sector. NAER recalled that regulated prices for the supply of electricity to end consumers are set in accordance with the Law on Electricity and the Tariff Calculation Methodology approved by NAER. These prices are calculated annually based on forecasts of energy consumption volumes and energy purchase prices for the entire calendar year – January-December 2025. This approach takes into account both periods of growth and periods of reduction in costs for the purchase of imported electricity. NAER applies the principle of price stability and predictability for consumers. Intervention in regulated prices occurs only if the accumulated deviations exceed 5% of the estimated annual cost of supply in accordance with the current legislation. As the energy regulator emphasizes, at present, the data centralized by NAER indicate that the tariff deviations accumulated since the beginning of the year do not reach the threshold value that would justify tariff intervention. Thus, tariffs will be adjusted only upon confirmation of objective factors in accordance with legal norms and the applied methodology. NAER also drew attention to the fact that, in order to support household consumers, the government has already approved a compensation mechanism, effective since February 2025 and directly reflected in citizens' bills, which reduces the impact of prices on households. NAER stated that it adheres to the principles of fairness, transparency and protection of consumer rights in all decisions made and remains open to a constructive dialogue with all stakeholders. At the same time, NAER drew attention to the fact that public statements not supported by documents can be regarded as interference in the independent activities of the regulatory body, which contradicts the principles of functioning of a stable and predictable energy sector. NAER stated that it will continue to act exclusively in the interests of society and the energy market of Moldova. It should be noted that earlier, member of the Administrative Council of the state-owned company Energocom, Alexandru Slusari, noted that the electricity market operators have had positive deviations exceeding 5% for the third month in a row, and in February these deviations in the context of the EU grant exceeded 20%. Alexandru Slusari believes that reducing electricity tariffs is necessary, noting that if electricity suppliers do not want this, NAER should intervene, and there are enough economic arguments for reducing the electricity tariff at this stage. // 20.03.2025 — InfoMarket
