Additional measures to strengthen energy security and protect water resources
Following the establishment on July 28 a state of alert in the energy sector and a hydrological alert states and emerging from the developments of the regional context with an impact on the Republic of Moldova, the National Crisis Management Commission was convened.
Topics of discussion of the National Crisis Management Commission were:
- Security of electricity supply, in the context of diminishing regional production capacities, and the necessary measures for their prevention and management.
- The hydrological situation on the Dniester river, as a result of the meeting of the Dniester Commission on July 31, 2026, as well as the necessary measures to reduce the impact.
During the meeting, the updated assessments presented by the National Crisis Management Center were examined based on those submitted by the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of the Environment regarding the evolution of risks, as well as the stage of implementation of the measures adopted in the first meeting of the Commission. The analyzes highlighted the need to complete the preventive measures, against the background of the reduction in the availability of electricity in the region, determined by the decrease in hydropower and nuclear production in the neighboring states, as well as the worsening of the hydrological deficit in the Dniester river basin.
Through the measures adopted, the authorities aim to prevent the occurrence of sudden disruptions in the supply of electricity and water, ensure the availability of resources for the population and the economy, encourage responsible consumption during peak periods and maintain the normal functioning of vital services.
More specifically, in order to reduce the risks regarding the electricity supply and strengthen the responsiveness of the energy system, the following measures have been adopted:
1. Protecting the electricity resources available during the hours of maximum consumption. SE "Moldelectrica" will suspend commercial exports of electricity between 18:00-22:00, except for the quantities necessary to fulfill public service obligations, in order to prioritize domestic needs. The measure reduces the risk of a shortage in critical hours and helps to avoid power outages for the population and essential services.
2. Accelerating the development of energy storage and production capacities. Procedures for connecting storage batteries and new power plants from renewable sources will be accelerated, so that the Republic of Moldova can produce and store more of its own energy and depend less on developments in regional markets. In the immediate and medium term, the measure contributes to reducing dependence on imports and increasing the resilience of the national energy system.
3. Diversification of electricity supply sources. JSC "Energocom" will identify and contract alternative sources of supply, so that the Republic of Moldova can cover the consumption needs even if the availability of energy on the regional markets is reduced. Diversification of sources limits the risk of shortages and helps maintain a stable supply.
4. Strengthening regional cooperation. SE "Moldelectrica" will intensify operational consultations with electricity transmission operators in Romania and Ukraine for the efficient management of the situation and the activation, if necessary, of emergency relief mechanisms. Thus, energy system operators will collaborate permanently to react quickly if problems arise in the region and to be able to benefit, if necessary, from mutual support in emergency situations.
5. Reduction of electricity consumption during peak hours. Temporary energy saving measures have been established between 06:00-09:00 and 18:00-23:00, applicable to public authorities, commercial premises, economic operators and other categories of consumers. Thus, the overloading of the network is avoided, the costs generated by the procurement of emergency energy are reduced and the risk of interruptions in the electricity supply is reduced.
For details check the Decision no. 3 of the National Crisis Management Commission.
In the context of the aggravation of the hydrological deficit and the reduction of the flows of the Dniester river, the Commission decided to complete the measures to protect water resources and ensure the continuity of public water supply services.
Thus, the following measures were adopted:
1. Limiting non-essential uses of water. The use of water for recreational activities and other non-essential consumption will be limited so that the available resources are sufficient for the population, hospitals, schools and other vital services.
2. Responsible use of water resources for agriculture. Dniester irrigation will be organized in periods when less water is lost through evaporation and will be prioritized for crops important for food security. Thus, the same amount of water can be used more efficiently and the pressure on the Dniester river will be reduced.
3. Activating alternative sources to prevent interruptions in water supply. Reserve wells will be activated, water tanks prepared for water distribution and motor pumps that were granted today from the state reserves will be used, so that if some catchment sources are affected, the supply of the population can continue, reducing the risk of interruption of water supply to the population.
4. Intensification of monitoring and public information. Low flows and high temperatures can favor the growth of algae and the concentration of pollutants in the water. That is why the authorities will intensify the monitoring of water quality in order to identify possible changes in time, adapt the treatment processes and ensure that the water supplied to the population remains safe for consumption. At the same time, the population will be periodically informed about the evolution of the situation and the necessary recommendations, contributing to the protection of public health and avoiding misinformation.
For details check the Decision no. 4 of the National Crisis Management Commission.
The measures adopted during the second meeting complete the decisions approved by the National Crisis Management Commission of July 28, 2026 and aim to strengthen the state's capacity to manage regional developments, protect the population and ensure the continuity of vital services during states of alert.
National Crisis Management Commission represents the national mechanism through which the state authorities analyze crisis situations in an integrated manner, coordinate the institutional response and adopt quick decisions to protect the population, critical infrastructure and the continuity of essential services.
Failure to comply with the Commission's decisions attracts liability in accordance with the law.
The Secretariat of the Commission is provided by the National Crisis Management Center, the entity responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Commission's decisions, collecting information on the stage of their execution, preparing reports on the level of implementation of the measures and informing the Commission on the need to adopt additional measures.
