State of Emergency in the Energy Sector Came into Force in Moldova

A state of emergency has been imposed for 60 days on the entire territory of Moldova due to the lack of energy resources. According to the authorities, the declaration of a state of emergency is necessary because it enables the immediate application of a number of measures through the Commission for Emergency Situations, newtv.md reported. The measures will be aimed at preventing, reducing and eliminating the consequences of the situation that caused the state of emergency. In particular, a special regime for the purchase of electricity and natural gas at an accelerated pace could be established and money could be allocated for this purpose. In the same way, decisions could be made to grant suppliers and system operators the right to act and to purchase, transport or distribute electricity and natural gas throughout the country. In addition, through the provisions of the EC, it will be possible to mandate rationalization of energy consumption if necessary and there will be a process for informing citizens about the extent of the emergency and measures to protect the population. During the state of emergency, the Commission for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Moldova will issue executive orders for the heads of central and local public administration authorities, economic agents, public institutions, as well as for citizens and other persons on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. In order to ensure the rapid validity of the provisions issued by the Commission for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Moldova shall enter into force from the moment of their issuance. The declaration of a state of emergency was proposed by the government on the basis of the report of the Commission for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the fact that the insufficiency of energy resources has a direct and immediate impact on the security of the state and citizens. According to government representatives, the suspension of natural gas supplies to the Transnistrian region provided by Gazprom may create a humanitarian crisis in the region, as well as create risks for the functioning and stability of the energy sector in Moldova.