If we had brought buildings up to the current energy performance average of the European Union, we would have already been able to halve bills given the current energy prices, said Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov. He noted that in Moldova, over 50% of all the energy consumed nationwide goes on building maintenance. On average, two times more energy than in EU countries is consumed to maintain one square meter of building in Moldova, IPN reports.
In a live video on social media, Victor Parlicov said that we must focus on reducing bills by reducing consumption, by improving energy performance. This week the Cabinet approved the creation of the National Center for Sustainable Energy, giving this way a second life to the former Energy Efficiency Agency that will now turn from an information and analysis institution into a financial instrument. “We aim to strengthen the capacity of this institution and next year we will launch the first financing programs at national level, primarily for residential consumers, and also a financing product for public buildings,” stated the minister.
Next year, 30 blocks in the country will receive support for works to switch over to the horizontal heat distribution system in the building, for thermal insulation and minimum works needed to reduce consumption in the block. The Government will provide a subsidy that will initially represent more than 50%.
The minister also reminded of the program to change old household equipment for energy-efficient appliances, which will allow reducing consumption in the long run. The results of this pilot project centering on vulnerable families will be analyzed and a nationwide program will be later launched, which could be carried out through the National Center for Sustainable Energy.
Victor Parlicov said that the price trends next year will be downward and charges will also decrease. This winter the natural gas charges are by 40% lower, the heat charges are by 20% lower both in Balti and Chisinau, while the electricity rates are by 30% lower.
