Electric energy consumption increased by 2.9% in 2011

In 2011, electric energy consumption in Moldova amounted to 3,408.7 million kWh, a 2.9% increase on the previous year. According to a press release issued by the National Energy Regulatory Agency, the increase in consumption was registered in all areas serviced by the three distribution companies: RED Nord, RED Nord-Vest and RED Union Fenosa, Info-Prim Neo reports. The biggest consumption growths were registered by RED Union Fenosa - 3.1% and RED Nord - 2.7%. RED Nord-Vest recorded an increase in consumption of 1.5%. The production of electric energy in Moldova remains way below the consumption level, covering only 21.4% of it. The amount of electricity provided by local producers was 854.3 million kWh, which is 3.8% less than the previous year. The drop in production was shared by all producers, except for CET-Nord, which recorded a modest increase of 1.2%. Meanwhile, CET-1 reduced its energy output by 27.1%. During 2011, the three distribution companies, except for eligible consumers, imported an amount of 3,909.5 million kWh of electricity, 1.9% more than in 2010.