In Moldova will be introduced 2 new categories of energy vulnerability: primary and extreme, as well as expand the list of criteria for determining the degree of energy vulnerability.
This is provided for by the corresponding bill, which the parliament adopted in the second reading, approving new legislative instruments to support energy-vulnerable households. It is planned that the introduction of the category of extreme energy vulnerability will make it possible to identify the most energy vulnerable households and offer them higher compensation when paying bills for energy consumption during the cold season. In addition to the introduction of 2 new categories of energy vulnerability, the bill provides for combining two tools to support citizens during the cold season - assistance during the cold season and compensation for payment of energy bills - into a single mechanism: payment of compensation for payment of energy invoices. During the heating season 2022-2023 approximately 170,000 families in Moldova received both payments by completing separate applications on two separate information systems. At the same time, in order to improve the fairness of the system, it is planned to expand the list of criteria that will be taken into account when determining the degree of energy vulnerability. Currently, the program does not distinguish between adults and children, people with disabilities, urban or rural residents, etc. Another problem that the proposed provisions will address is to reduce the impact of the measure on rural residents who are not connected to energy sources for heating. Depending on the condition of the household, they will receive either invoice compensation or a cash payment from the Energy Vulnerability Fund. In addition, in order to get a better idea of the family's income, it is proposed to provide access to the data of banking institutions, credit bureaus and other financial institutions on the financial situation of the family. This measure is mandatory given the significant share of undeclared work in the Moldovan economy. According to available information, in the cold period of 2022-2023 more than 600,000 households (approximately 80% of all households in Moldova) were categorized as very high energy vulnerability. In 2023, 893.1 million lei were provided for free assistance during the cold season and the payment of compensation for energy resources to low-income families. The bill was developed by former MP Dan Perciun together with representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. // 17.08.2023 — InfoMarket.
