Moldova connects villages to power grid amid energy crisis
The villages of Varnița and Copanca will be connected to the power grid on the right bank of the Dniester River.
This decision was made by the Commission for Exceptional Situations (CSE). Simultaneously, 14 other localities in the security zone, including Pohrebea, Coșnița, Pîrîta, Doroțcaia, and Cocieri, will gain access to natural gas through connections to the networks operated by Moldovagaz.
The villages of Varnița and Copanca will be linked to the distribution networks managed by "Premier Energy Distribution" SA. As per the CSE, the operator has 5 business days to submit a plan for modifying investments, which will then be approved by the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) within 3 days.
Legislative Exceptions
Construction can commence without a finalized project, and urban planning and building permits will be issued under an emergency regime, in line with exceptions to current legislation. Additionally, the provisional use of power grids is permitted until final approval, to expedite the implementation process.
The CSE has also stepped in to ensure access to natural gas for residents of 14 localities in the security zone, which currently rely on networks from the left bank of the Dniester River.
Among the targeted villages are Pohrebea, Coșnița, Pîrîta, Doroțcaia, Molovata Nouă, Roghi, Cocieri, Corjova, and Vasilievca in the Dubăsari district, as well as Hîrbovăț and Varnița in the Anenii Noi district, along with Fîrlădeni, Hagimus, and Copanca in the Căușeni district.
What does the plan entail?
The localities will be connected to the networks managed by Moldovagaz, and operators have 5 days to submit their connection plans. Administrative procedures, such as issuing permits, will be expedited, and work will commence immediately.
Additionally, three localities in the Anenii Noi and Dubăsari districts will temporarily receive electric generators. The village of Varnița will benefit from 4 generators of 10 kW each for the kindergarten, high school, community center, and town hall, while the commune of Cocieri will receive 3 generators, including one 36 kW generator for the "Garoftița" kindergarten and two 34 kW generators for water supply.
To procure the necessary materials, the Government has already allocated 233,000 lei (~€12,000) from the intervention fund.
Context: Energy crisis in the region
It should be noted that the energy crisis in the Transnistrian region and the localities within the Security Zone has escalated following Gazprom's decision to suspend natural gas deliveries starting January 1st at 7:00 AM. The Russian company cited Moldova's refusal to pay alleged "historical debts," claiming arrears of over $700 million. This amount has been disputed by the Republic of Moldova and disproven by an international audit.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
