The ongoing heatwave continues to put significant pressure on the regional energy system. On Tuesday, August 4, Moldova’s total electricity consumption was approximately 1,000 MWh higher than the previous day, Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu said, renewing his call for citizens to reduce electricity use.
“Yesterday, I called for solidarity and I want to thank everyone who reduced electricity consumption during peak hours. Every action mattered. However, if we look at the entire day, total electricity consumption in the Republic of Moldova was approximately 1,000 MWh higher than the previous day. The heat continues to put enormous pressure on the entire regional energy system,” Junghietu said.
The minister noted that weather forecasts do not indicate significant changes in the near future. No substantial rainfall is expected in the Danube basin, while low water flows continue to affect electricity production across the region.
Junghietu urged citizens to save electricity, especially during peak consumption periods, emphasizing that every megawatt-hour saved reduces the need to purchase electricity at very high prices.
“My call remains the same: save energy, especially during peak consumption hours. This is not only an act of responsibility. Every megawatt-hour saved means less energy purchased at very high prices, lower pressure on the system and a reduced risk of having to use emergency measures. The energy we save during these days is the cheapest and most reliable source of energy we have,” the minister said.
He also explained why authorities cannot determine early in the day whether Moldova will face an electricity deficit.
“Many people have asked why we cannot say in the morning whether we will have an energy deficit or not. I want to briefly explain how this mechanism works. Energocom, as the central supplier, ensures the necessary amount of electricity for Moldova’s power system. Part of the energy is covered through bilateral contracts signed in advance, then the company purchases available renewable energy on an hourly basis, while differences between forecast and actual consumption are purchased daily on regional markets,” Junghietu explained.
According to the minister, transactions on the intraday markets of OPCOM and BRM are usually completed around 14:00. Only after these markets close can authorities determine whether the required electricity volume has been fully covered or whether a deficit remains and must be managed through special system mechanisms.
Authorities announced earlier that a deficit of 130 MWh was expected on Tuesday evening, August 4, between 21:00 and 23:00. Citizens were urged to reduce consumption in order to avoid additional purchases at higher prices.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan also repeated the appeal, asking citizens to use electricity responsibly amid risks caused by the difficult regional energy situation. He stressed that energy saving measures are necessary, including to prevent higher electricity costs.