The drinking water tariff for Apă-Canal Chișinău consumers has been raised by 20.4% to 12.99 lei per cubic meter
This decision was adopted by the National Agency for Energy Regulation (NAER) after a detailed analysis of Apă-Canal Chișinău's request to increase water tariffs for the capital's consumers, as well as taking into account the current economic factors affecting the cost of operation and maintenance of the water supply and sewerage infrastructure. It should be noted that Apă-Canal Chișinău initially asked NAER to increase the water tariff by 32.8%, from 10.79 to 14.33 lei per cubic meter, and then submitted a new request asking for a 34% increase, to 14.46 lei per cubic meter, including some previously unaccounted debt service costs to the EBRD for investment loans. Apă-Canal Chișinău noted that the last time the water tariff was approved was in 2023, and if it remains at the same level, the company will not be able to meet its current financial obligations. It was reported that the company estimated that in 2025, its expenses would increase to 963.3 million lei, which would exceed by 258.5 million lei (+36.7%) the expenses included in the current tariff, which is 10.79 lei per cubic meter. However, NAER eventually approved an increase in the drinking water tariff for Apă-Canal Chișinău consumers from 10.79 to 12.99 lei per cubic meter (+20.4%). NAER said that the adjustment of the water tariff in the capital is due to the need to cover the operator's real costs in the context of the general price increase and to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the public water supply and sewerage system. The energy regulator emphasized that Apă-Canal Chișinău's operation, maintenance and repair costs are influenced by a number of economic and technical factors. In particular, the costs of electricity required for water collection, treatment and transportation have increased. The volume of water losses and technological consumption accounts for about 27% of total withdrawals, in the context of a severely deteriorated infrastructure in need of modernization. The projected consumer price index for 2025 is 4.6%, which will affect the cost of materials, services and other operating expenses. At the same time, NAER reduced the tariffs initially requested by the operator, accepting only strictly justified costs in order to protect the interests of consumers. Thus, the company's regulated revenue for 2025 was reduced by about 109 million lei, compared to the operator's request, by excluding unjustified costs or costs that do not comply with the current methodology, such as the revaluation of some fixed assets and other technical adjustments. // 18.03.2025 - InfoMarket.
