Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova predicts rolling blackouts in the country

In Moldova, they may begin to cut off electricity, but such a measure will not be massive, said Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Andrei Spinu. According to him, this will happen if the Moldavskaya GRES (located in Transnistria) stops supplying electricity to the right bank of the Dniester.

Mr. Spinu specified that the power cuts would be “periodic and short-lived”. “The risk of a power outage exists, it is very likely. If we are forced to take these measures, then the shutdowns will not be massive, they will be targeted. Chisinau and other large cities where there are hospitals and other medical institutions will be the last to be switched off,” he said on TV8 (quoted from “Interfax”).

As the Deputy Prime Minister specified, the development of the situation depends on the supplies of Gazprom. Andrei Spinu noted that now the electricity shortage in Moldova is estimated at 7-8%. Against this background, the authorities are urging residents to save electricity, especially during peak hours. “Everything depends on the volume of gas supplies from Gazprom. If gas is not supplied, then there will be no electricity from the left bank of the Dniester. In this case, we are forced to replenish the required amount of electricity through imports from Romania and (other.— “b”) European countries,” Mr. Spinu explained.

In autumn 2021, Gazprom extended a five-year contract for the supply of gas to Moldova, subject to timely payment of debts. Moldovan authorities complainedthat in October Russia reduced supplies by a third. Gazprom in response threatened terminate the contract. Russian President Vladimir Putin toldthat asked “Gazprom” to meet the needs of the Moldovan side.

On the situation in the country – in the material “Kommersant” “An austerity regime came to power in Moldova”.

Laura Keffer