Moldovans Overpay for Electricity: Expert Demands Tariff Reform

Moldovan Consumers Overpay for Electricity Due to Outdated Pricing: Energocom Official Calls for Reform Chisinau, Moldova – Alexandr Slusar, a member of the supervisory board of Moldova's state-owned energy company Energocom, has publicly stated that Moldovan citizens are overpaying for electricity by nearly 25% due to an outdated pricing model. This claim, highlighted in a recent report by Canal 5, has sparked debate about the country's energy policies and consumer protection. According to Slusar, the current tariff structure is based on inflated procurement costs that do not reflect the actual market conditions. "The tariff approved by NARE is based on overestimated purchase costs that do not correspond to real market conditions," he stated in an interview on TV. This overestimation, he claims, directly results in a significant overpayment by consumers. The report further underscores this concern by citing additional data and expert opinions. Economic expert Vyacheslav Ioniță noted that in 2023, Moldova purchased gas at prices 2.5 times higher than the average market price, leading to substantial additional costs for consumers and businesses. Slusar's call for more frequent tariff adjustments to reflect market realities is gaining traction. His statements highlight the need for increased transparency and responsiveness in Moldova's energy sector to ensure fair pricing for consumers. The lack of immediate response from authorities to these concerns remains a point of contention.