The International Monetary Fund has no expectations for the electricity rates to rise or decrease; what IMF expects is that the adopted methodology is applied accurately. This was stated by Ruben Atoyan, IMF Mission Chief for Moldova, at a press conference concluding a visit of the Mission to Chisinau during June 26-July 10.

Ruben Atoyan says that the rates should not be politicized, and instead the existing methodology, which is based on the best international practices, should be applied. “We don’t have an opinion about the size of these rates or which way they should be adjusted. It is very important that a methodology exists and it should be applied accordingly,” stated Ruben Atoyan.

Prime Minister Maia Sandu said that the Government also wants the National Energy Regulatory Agency to strictly stick to its methodology and the legal provisions. “We don’t want to see in managing positions at agencies like ANRE any people appointed on political criteria and who have nothing in common with energy, like it happened during the previous government. We want ANRE and other regulatory agencies to steer clear of any secret dealings with companies or providers. We want them to watch out and make sure no corrupt schemes make their way into our rates, as it happened with a certain former Union Fenosa CEO.”

The electricity providers GNF Furnizare Energie Electrică and Furnizare Energie Electrică Nord requested ANRE to increase electricity rates back in March. ANRE has 180 days to answer. Meanwhile, the Agency requested additional from the providers to back their claims. Once ANRE does its own checks, the proposed adjustments will be up for public consultation.