Moldova declares energy state of emergency with possible rolling outages
Moldova has introduced a 60-day state of emergency in the energy sector and has not ruled out rolling power outages due to the difficult situation caused by Russian strikes on Ukraine.
Source: European Pravda, citing TV8
Details: The decision to introduce the state of emergency is to be put to a vote by MPs at an extraordinary parliamentary session at 17:00.
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said that reality around them had become harsher, that the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine was striking critical infrastructure in the neighbouring country, and that it was creating chain effects across the entire region and was already directly affecting Moldova. He added that the consequences of Russia's actions could no longer be ignored.
The prime minister urged all competent institutions to "act immediately", stating that the authorities would demonstrate transparency in decision-making and keep the public promptly informed.
According to Sergiu Diaconu, head of the National Crisis Management Centre (CNMC), "technical breakdowns indicate a serious short circuit that requires specialised intervention".
The state of emergency allows the government to act quickly and in a coordinated manner to limit the consequences of the crisis, protect people's lives and safety, and ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential services. It also facilitates rapid intervention in case of outages, allocation of the necessary resources to restore the Isaccea–Vulcănești transmission line, and swift tariff adjustments to prevent fuel shortages and maintain critical services.
The CNMC, together with the Ministry of Energy, is developing a comprehensive set of measures to mobilise resources and coordinate institutions, ensure energy supply and maintain the functioning of critical infrastructure. Preventive actions are envisaged for public institutions, businesses and operators, including checking alternative energy sources, adapting institutional procedures for faster responses to risks, saving electricity during peak hours, mitigating the impact of outages, and implementing continuity plans for critical services such as water supply, energy, healthcare, public order and social services.
During this period, citizens are urged to use electricity sparingly, avoid overloading appliances, charge phones and essential devices in advance, ensure access to alternative lighting sources, avoid using lifts during voltage fluctuations, and follow official updates from the authorities.
The Isaccea–Vulcănești power line is the main channel for importing electricity from Romania to Moldova.
It went offline on the evening of 23 March, when Russian drones reportedly attacked Odesa.
It was also reported that drone debris was found near damaged infrastructure along the high-voltage line in Moldova.
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