The electricity tariffs could be cut by at least 9%, shows a study carried out by the Institute of Power Engineering of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (ASM). According to the authors of the study, revising the power purchasing method is one of the measures that can lead to the diminution of the tariff, IPN reports.

The 9% reduction could be obtained if the intermediary company Energokapital is excluded and direct negotiations for the purchase of power are held with the owners of the Cuchurgan Power Plant.

The Institute’s director Mihai Tyrshu told a news conference that the methodology of setting power tariffs should be reviewed with the broad participation of representatives of civil society and a transparency mechanism should be introduced. It is recommended instituting social tariffs for the low income groups of people and covering a part of the power bills for these groups.

The researches consider the audit of the calculations used by the National Agency for Energy Regulation to set the tariff was a useless exercise that cost €25,000 and these costs will inevitably be included in the structure of the tariff. The audit couldn’t have identified tariff deviations as the calculations were done in accordance with the methodology of the Agency.

On November 9, the electric power tariff that was raised in July and then suspended in September was confirmed. Thus, the consumers served by RED Union Fenosa pay 2.16 lei per kWh, those served by RED Nord – 2.23 lei, while those served by RED Nord-Vest – 2.33 lei.