Vasile Tofan
According to the prime minister, Moldova failed to reduce electricity consumption by approximately 130 megawatt-hours the previous evening, despite numerous calls from the authorities to conserve energy.
“Yesterday, despite our efforts to conserve energy, the country was still unable to achieve energy savings of about 130 megawatt-hours between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. This means that we had to purchase this amount of energy at very high prices—2 to 3 times more expensive—on the exchange, since there is an electricity shortage in Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria as well,” said Vasile Tofan.
The prime minister noted that problems in the energy sector are mounting at the regional level, and the availability of electricity on the market may decline.
“This is a chain reaction. There will be less and less energy on the market, and all of us, as citizens of the Republic of Moldova, must take steps to avoid paying higher prices. To do this, we need to turn off the lights and use electricity more efficiently, especially in the evening,” the prime minister emphasized.
Tofan called on citizens to be more responsible in their use of resources, noting that the same approach is needed when it comes to water consumption.
“I want to once again urge all residents of Moldova: this concerns our shared funds—we must be as responsible as possible in our use of energy. The same applies to water. Both water and energy will feature more frequently and more prominently on the public agenda,” the prime minister said.
“The Test Moldovans Failed”
The authorities’ calls for the public to reduce electricity consumption have sparked a variety of reactions from politicians.
Nikolai Margarint, a member of parliament from “Our Party,” stated that citizens are doing their part by conserving energy and paying their bills, but the authorities must offer long-term solutions.
“Citizens are doing their part. They’re conserving energy, paying ever-higher bills, and adapting. The government must do its part: offer solutions, make investments, and act responsibly—not just urge people to consume less,” the lawmaker said.
Former lawmaker Olesya Stamate criticized the authorities’ response after some citizens ignored calls to conserve electricity.
“Why are you surprised? People listen to the authorities’ calls only when they trust them. Where does that trust come from if the authorities lie, manipulate, and in many situations effectively treat citizens as if they were unintelligent?” Stamate said.
On the other hand, former Prime Minister Ion Sturza stated that the situation that unfolded the previous evening was a test that “Moldovans failed.”
“What did Moldovans do? Exactly the opposite. Last night, during peak hours, consumption exceeded 900 MW, whereas on a typical day it barely exceeds 800 MW. Why? Because many chose to give someone the middle finger,” Ion Sturza said.
UPDATE 3:30 PM
On Wednesday evening, July 5, a power shortage is expected in Moldova again. The shortage is caused by increased demand due to hot weather, reduced output at some power plants in the region, and the lower water level in the Danube, which is affecting their operation.
The following power shortages are expected between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM:
6:00 PM–7:00 PM — approximately 62 MWh
7:00 PM–8:00 PM — approximately 129 MWh
8:00 PM–9:00 PM — approximately 112 MWh
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