Rates for electricity transmission service to be set under new rules in Moldova

The administration council of the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) approved, during a 30 May public meeting, amendments to the methodology of establishing, approving and applying tariffs for electricity transmission service.

The new amendments are aimed at establishing the cost incurred by the transport network operator for purchasing the electric power necessary to cover the technological consumption in the electric power transmission networks.

So far, the technological expenses and power losses have been covered by the electricity provider at regulated rates. Yet, according to the law on electric energy and to the EU principles, starting with 1 January 2013, the ANRE has the right to request the transportation network operator (Moldelectrica company) to purchase electric power necessary for covering the technological consumption in the power transmission network in line with transparent procedures, based on the principles of the market economy.

According to the ANRE specialists, via the mentioned amendments, the transport network operator will be obliged to take efficient measures in order to improve the functioning of the electric power networks and to cut losses, including by investing in the transport networks.

The set amendments will not affect the electric power consumption rates for final consumers, as they only provide for transferring responsibility and, subsequently, costs from providers to the transmission system operator. Presently, the tariff for electricity transmission service stands at 8.02 bani/kWh.

Adapted from Moldpres