 announces that the funds will enable the country's government to directly cover bill compensations during the winter period of 2023-2024 for energetically vulnerable households.){kind=link}
Sweden is contributing $9.63 million to the Republic of Moldova’s Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announces that the funds will enable the country’s government to directly cover bill compensations during the winter period of 2023-2024 for energetically vulnerable households.
“In less than a year, Moldova has reshaped its energy policy and ended its dependence on Russian gas. This is remarkable. Sweden is a reliable partner for Moldova on its path to EU integration. I am proud that Sweden, for the second consecutive year, is supporting vulnerable households in the Republic of Moldova, contributing through UNDP with a non-repayable grant to the Moldova Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund,” stated Katarina Fried, the Swedish Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova.
“This year, 91% of households receiving bill compensations will pay rates similar to those of the previous year. This would not have been possible without the support of our development partners, who help us face challenges with dignity,” said Alexei Buzu, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection.
“We are grateful for Sweden’s strong partnership and significant contribution to the Moldova Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund. This funding, provided for the second cold season already, supports families most affected by energy poverty,” said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova.
In the 2022-2023 winter season, approximately 895,000 households benefited from bill compensations. During that time, UNDP facilitated contributions to the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund: $10 million from Sweden and $6.67 million from Switzerland.
According to a UNDP impact assessment study, the compensations reduced the level of energy poverty by 43%, with the greatest impact on the most vulnerable families; 83% of costs for natural gas bills were compensated.