Energy crisis in Moldova: Cuciurgan power plant to shut down
Starting January 1, the Cuciurgan Power Plant (MGRES) will cease supplying electricity to the right bank of the Dniester River. In light of this, citizens are urged to conserve energy, particularly during peak hours, to help balance demand and avoid potential power cuts.
At the same time, Energocom has signed contracts with domestic green energy producers and will seek additional purchases from the European Network of Transmission System Operators.
"The contract was not renewed. They told us that without certainty regarding the availability of natural gas for power generation, they cannot sign an agreement," explained Victor Bînzari, advisor to the director of Energocom. Therefore, starting January 1, MGRES will no longer supply electricity to the right bank of the Dniester River.
To ensure the supply, Energocom is collaborating with multiple domestic and international partners. "We have contracts with eligible producers approved by ANRE, as well as an association of producers using solar panels and wind turbines," added the Energocom advisor.
According to decisions made by the Commission for Emergency Situations, the price of electricity purchased from domestic production is capped at around 80 euros per MW.
Additionally, Energocom plans to cover the deficit through purchases from the intraday market. "We are now trying to utilize unused capacity. Between the European Union and the Moldova-Ukraine Joint Block, we have a shared capacity of 2,100 MW at the common border, of which 15% – 315 MW – belongs to Moldova. If this unused capacity is not fully utilized, it is sold on the intraday market. Depending on the available capacity, we will attempt to purchase it," explained Bînzari.
To maximize the chances of acquiring available energy, Energocom has implemented a 24/7 operation schedule. The provider's teams will work in shifts, including overnight, to participate in intraday market auctions.
Note: The Intraday Electricity Market (IM) is a part of the wholesale market where specific amounts of electricity are traded for each hour of the following day.
Call to conserve energy
Meanwhile, citizens are urged to reduce consumption during peak hours to avoid power cuts. "A joint effort is needed to ensure balanced consumption. We ask people to use large appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, at night," said the Energocom advisor.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
