Tofilat: A New Increase in Electricity Tariffs Is Possible in the Coming Months

In the next few months, the right bank of the Dniester may face a new increase in electricity tariffs or switch to rolling blackouts. This is the opinion of energy expert Sergiu Tofilat. According to him, the critical situation may occur as early as April, after the heating season ends, when CHP stations will stop producing electricity, rupor.md reported. “We produce about 300-350 MW of electricity in Moldova. During peak consumption hours in the morning and evening, we consume 900 MW. Therefore, we have to import the deficit. After the end of the heating season and the shutdown of CHPs, this deficit will only increase,” Sergiu Tofilat emphasized. “We will have to buy electricity at emergency prices, which are 200-350 euros per MW, which is much more expensive than market rates, or resort to rolling blackouts. This is not a joke,” Tofilat stated. To avoid an energy crisis, the expert recommends that the authorities urgently purchase modular gas turbines that are capable of producing electricity quickly and efficiently. According to Tofilat, such equipment can ensure a minimum level of energy independence. One turbine produces 30-35 MW. According to Energocom, on 15 January, the right bank is planned to have a similar volume of electricity consumption as on 14 January. The company says that it has reserved commercial capacity on the border with Romania to cover import needs. Thus, apart from electricity produced by CHP plants and renewable energy resources, the rest of the demand will be covered by bilateral contracts or exchange deliveries.