Transnistrians began the new year without hot water, gas, and reduced electricity. The first disconnections occurred after Gazprom halted natural gas supplies to Moldova on January 1, 2025.
By noon on January 1, regional officials, as reported by Tiraspol media, announced plans to disconnect gas supplies to residential houses and apartments in villages and towns. They exempted medical institutions.
Authorities set up emergency hotlines in Camenca, Ribnitsa, Grigoriopol, Dnestrovsc, Tiraspol, and Slobozia to assist residents during the energy crisis. Authorities advised people not to drain radiators, avoid using makeshift electric heaters, and position factory-made heaters under windows. Authorities also urged residents on the left bank of the Dniester to insulate cracks in windows and balconies.
The Cuciurgan power plant switched to coal and, according to TSV, has reserves to operate for 52 days.
The Moldovan authorities announced they would no longer purchase electricity from the left bank of the Dniester if Transnistrians lack gas supplies, which is in line with provisions established during the region’s exceptional economic situation. Consequently, Chisinau declared a state of emergency in the energy sector.
Government officials stated they have plans to secure alternative energy sources. However, they warned that shortages could lead to disconnections during peak hours, from 7:00 to 11:00 and 18:00 to 23:00. Moldovagaz assured the public that gas stocks would last until March 2025.
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Meanwhile, heat suppliers in Chisinau, Comrat, and northern regions have requested tariff adjustments due to rising electricity costs from the European market.
Gazprom ceased gas deliveries to Moldova after Ukraine’s government, citing ongoing war challenges, refused to extend the transit contract. Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller suggested Moldovan authorities negotiate directly with Kyiv. Shortly after former energy minister Victor Parlicov’s meeting with the Russian executive, Prime Minister Dorin Recean demanded Parlicov’s resignation.