International donors concerned over uncertainty in Chisinau's heating

International donors have expressed their concern about the district heating sector in Chisinau, Info-Prim Neo reports. In a joint statement, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), the World Bank (WB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have said they believe it is critical to work towards a sustainable solution, including, for establishing and implementing a cost-recovery heating tariff; providing targeted social assistance subsidies to vulnerable consumers; and addressing Termocom’s debt situation. At the request of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, the Chisinau City Hall and Termocom, the World Bank and IMF, through SIDA, commissioned an independent study to help determine cost-recovery heating tariffs of Termocom that could facilitate the way forward. The donors are confident that finding a sustainable solution for Termocom, including tariffs, social assistance and debt resolution, will pave the way for future investments and facilitate modernization to achieve greater energy efficiency and better service to consumers. In this regard, the international organizations invite the authorities to a joint donors and International Financial Institutions energy meeting next week for further consultations on this matter.