“I do not dispute the need to change the pipes in the housing sector and to measure heat consumption, but the horizontal heating distribution system can be replaced by another system, which can be implemented much faster”, said activist Vitali Voznoi during a debate discussing cogeneration and district heating systems.
According to the activist, the government is trying to give Termoelectrica exclusive control over all the transition projects from vertical to horizontal distribution systems in Chisinau and Balti. Instead of making the shift, Voznoi suggests installing meters in each apartment.
“I do not dispute the need to change old pipes and thermal insulation. They are really necessary. Block insulation must also be done. These measures will increase energy efficiency. Already in 2017, the system was presented to the Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov, who held another position at the time, thanks to which, while keeping the vertical distribution, it is possible to have metering devices and individual contracts. In our country, the only supplier that does not comply with the law is Termoelectrica, although technical capabilities exist in this regard”, said Voznoi.
The activist says that it is possible to meter the consumption of thermal energy while keeping the vertical distribution system of thermal energy and without creating discomfort for tenants by switching from one system to another.
“I agree that there must be counting and there must be freedom of choice. But should we use an expensive system that takes 4-5 months to install and offers some advantages, or should we use another system? In the last half year, the Government decided in relation to the housing sector in two municipalities to create a universal law incorporating provisions from other laws. The authorities decided to empower Termoelectrica with responsibility for all projects, including horizontal distribution projects”, said the activist.
The transition from vertical to horizontal distribution systems is supported by the Ministry of. According to the authorities, the horizontal system gives apartment owners the ability to connect, disconnect and adjust the temperature level as needed. So far, two public consultations have taken place on a bill to promote cogeneration and district heating systems, with a new round of consultations slated for Friday.
