In a few months, the right bank of the Nistru River risks facing a new increase in electricity charges or power cuts, energy expert Sergiu Tofilat stated in the program “Resumé” on RliveTV. According to him, a critical situation could arise in April, immediately after the end of the heating season, when the thermoelectric plants (CETs) will no longer produce electricity.

"We produce about 300-350 MW of energy here, on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. During peak hours, in the morning and in the evening, we consume 900 MW. That is why we are forced to import the shortage. When the heating season will end and the CETs will no longer work, this deficit will increase even more," noted Sergiu Tofilat.

According to the expert, the situation could occur as early as April. "We will have to buy what is not enough for us at an emergency power price, which is €200-350. This is much more than on the stock exchange. Or we will have to switch to temporary power cuts in a chain. This is not a joke," said Sergiu Tofilat.

To avoid such a crisis, the expert recommends that the authorities should urgently procure modular gas turbines that can produce electricity efficiently and quickly. This equipment can ensure a minimum level of power independence. A turbine of this kind produces 30-35 MW of electricity.

According to Energocom, electricity consumption on the right bank of the Nistru River on Wednesday, January 15 is expected to be similar in volume as the previous day, January 14. It reserved the commercial capacity at the border with Romania to cover the consumption needs with imports. Thus, in addition to the electricity generated by the CETs and renewable energy installations, the rest of the demand will be met based on bilateral contracts or with purchases from the stock exchange.