States of alert in the energy and hydrological sectors, extended by 30 days. The National Crisis Management Commission has approved measures to protect energy and water supplies

In the context of continued risks in the energy and hydrological sectors, the state of alert in the energy sector and the hydrological alert status have been extended by another 30 days, starting from 27 August 2026. The extension is a preventive measure that allows the authorities to act more quickly if the situation in the country or region deteriorates.

In the energy sector, the state of alert allows us to continuously monitor fuel stocks and imports, address potential administrative or transport bottlenecks more quickly, and ensure the electricity supply needed, including during peak consumption hours.

In the hydrological sector, the priority is to ensure that the population, hospitals, schools and social institutions have access to drinking water. The alert status allows for daily monitoring of the quantities of water abstracted and distributed, the cessation of unauthorized water abstraction, the identification and preparation of wells that can be used as alternative sources, and the supply of water by tanker trucks to localities where water supply could be interrupted.

Therefore, maintaining the alert statuses helps us preserve access to water, electricity and fuel for the population and the economy, despite the difficult situation in the region. The decisions of the National Crisis Management Commission provide the authorities with faster mechanisms and more flexible procedures to prevent problems and intervene before they affect the population and essential services.

The main issues examined by the Commission were:

• the situation regarding the supply of petroleum products and electricity, as well as the measures needed to strengthen the resilience of the energy system;
• the hydrological situation at national level and the measures needed to conserve water resources and ensure continuity of water supply to the population and essential services.

The data presented show that the supply of energy, fuel and water is currently ensured. In the petroleum products sector, stock levels are increasing and the situation remains at an acceptable level. However, logistical and regional risks persist, while the safety margin in the electricity and hydrological sectors remains limited.

Fuel stocks are increasing, but logistical risks persist

Updated data presented by the National Agency for Energy Regulation indicate that, as of 25 August, available stocks covered approximately 11.8 days of consumption for petrol and 8.4 days for diesel. Compared with July, when commercial diesel stocks covered 6.9 days of consumption, the level of coverage increased by 1.5 days.

An improvement has also been recorded across the distribution network. While on 18 August the temporary shortage of diesel was reported at 58 filling stations, by 26 August this number had decreased to 33.

Overall, stock dynamics are positive, and the situation regarding the supply of petroleum products remains at an acceptable level. However, the authorities continue to monitor the situation, as the replenishment of stocks is affected by developments on international markets and logistical difficulties in the region.

The low water level of the Danube has reduced the transport capacity of a barge from 2,000–2,500 tonnes to approximately 900 tonnes. Transporting the same volume of fuel now requires more than twice as many trips, while delivery times have increased to more than two weeks.

Maintaining the state of alert allows the authorities to continue monitoring stocks and import flows and to intervene rapidly in the event of new administrative, logistical or regional bottlenecks.

The Republic of Moldova imports up to 79% of its electricity needs

Depending on consumption levels, imports cover between 58% and 79% of the Republic of Moldova’s daily electricity needs.

At the same time, due to drought, regional hydropower generation in the first half of 2026 was 55% below the 2021–2025 average for the period. During peak consumption hours, the price of electricity exceeded MDL 3,000 per MWh.

Through the measures adopted, the authorities aim to accelerate the development of domestic electricity generation and storage capacities, remove administrative bottlenecks and reduce pressure on the system during peak consumption hours.

More specifically, the following measures were adopted to strengthen the resilience of the energy system:

1. Priority review of investments in electricity generation and storage. Applications for prior approval of investments in electricity generation and storage projects will be reviewed as a priority. The measure aims to reduce administrative timelines and bring new energy capacities into operation more quickly.

2. Accelerating the commissioning of wind and photovoltaic power plants. During the state of alert, wind and photovoltaic power plants that include storage facilities at the same site and are scheduled to be commissioned before the expiry of the state of alert will be exempt from the authorization procedure provided for by the Law on Electricity, subject to notification of the Authorization Commission.

3. Extension of grid connection approvals for projects under construction. Grid connection approvals that expired in July or expire during the state of alert may be extended under the conditions established by the Commission. Applications will be reviewed within five days, and the extension may be granted for a maximum of three months, without the possibility of further extension. The applicant will be required to undertake in writing to energize the power plant within the granted period.

4. Creating flexible conditions for the development of storage capacities. For applications submitted by 15 September 2026, system operators may issue grid connection approvals for storage facilities with a total combined capacity of up to 200 MW in areas where there are no actual network congestion issues. The mechanism applies to facilities with a power capacity of at least 1 MW and a storage capacity exceeding 2 MWh. The approvals will be valid for no more than six months, without the possibility of extension.

To avoid additional pressure on the system during peak consumption hours, charging storage facilities from the electricity grid will not be permitted between 06:00–09:00 and 18:00–23:00.

5. Priority review of documentation for energy projects. Urban planning and project documentation for photovoltaic power plants, wind power plants and storage facilities will be reviewed as a priority. The Civil Aviation Authority will also give priority to applications concerning the placement of wind power plants in areas subject to aviation easements.

6. Priority customs clearance for energy equipment. The Customs Service will establish a dedicated channel for the customs clearance of generators, transformers, inverters, cables, storage systems and other equipment intended for renewable energy projects. The measure will reduce the time required to bring and install equipment in the Republic of Moldova.

7. Reducing electricity consumption for public lighting. Local public authorities will reduce, within their technical capacity, electricity consumption for public lighting by at least 50%. The measure complements previously established energy-saving actions and aims to reduce consumption given the limited availability of electricity on regional markets.

For details, see Decision No. 6 of the National Crisis Management Commission.

New measures to conserve and protect water resources

In the hydrological sector, the data presented to the Commission show that recent precipitation has not been sufficient to replenish water reserves.

At the Nistrian Reservoir, the water level has fallen to 112.40 metres, which is 8.60 metres below the normal retention level. Inflow from upstream is only 15 cubic metres per second, while 75 cubic metres per second are being released to maintain the ecological flow downstream.

At the Costești–Stânca Reservoir, the water level is 6.61 metres below the normal level.

The Red Code remains in effect on the Vilia, Draghiște, Cubolta, Ciulucul Mic and Botna rivers. Flows have fallen to approximately 10% of the multiannual average values, and some sections are at risk of drying up completely.

At the Coșernița pumping station, which supplies water to the municipality of Chișinău and its suburbs, the water level has fallen to 8.34 metres.

Under these conditions, the Commission approved additional measures for the rational use of water, the identification of alternative sources and the prevention of interruptions in water supply to the population and critical facilities.

More specifically, the following measures were adopted:

1. Daily monitoring of water abstraction and distribution. Public water supply operators will monitor daily the volumes of water abstracted and distributed, identify and remedy network losses, and ensure the reserves necessary for the continuous operation of the systems. The competent authorities will be informed immediately if there is a risk of difficulties in water supply.

2. Inventory of groundwater and alternative water sources. By 15 September 2026, local public authorities will submit a complete technical inventory of wells, deep wells and other alternative sources. The inventory will include their operational status and the estimated logistical requirements for emergency water supply to the population and critical facilities.

3. Preparation of water supply continuity plans. In localities where there is a risk of disruption to water supply, operators and local public authorities will develop and activate continuity plans. These will identify alternative sources and emergency supply arrangements.

4. Limiting the irrigation of public green spaces. Irrigation will be permitted only where strictly necessary, during periods of reduced evaporation and, as a priority, using non-potable water or other alternative sources.

5. Prohibition of the use of drinking water for irrigation. Drinking water may not be used to irrigate crops. Irrigation will be limited or carried out according to a schedule established by the National Agency for Land Improvement, with priority given to crops for which interruption of irrigation could cause irreversible losses.

6. Reducing water consumption in economic activities. Enterprises will implement water-saving measures and recirculate or reuse water in technological processes, where technically possible and where this does not create risks to public health or the environment.

For details, see Decision No. 7 of the National Crisis Management Commission.

The measures adopted complement the decisions previously approved by the National Crisis Management Commission and aim to strengthen the state’s capacity to manage regional risks, protect the population and ensure the continuity of vital services throughout the alert periods.

The National Crisis Management Commission is the national mechanism through which state authorities jointly assess crisis situations, coordinate the institutional response and adopt rapid decisions to protect the population, critical infrastructure and the continuity of essential services.

Failure to comply with the Commission’s decisions entails liability in accordance with the legislation.

The Secretariat of the Commission is provided by the National Crisis Management Centre, the entity responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Commission’s decisions, collecting information on the progress of their implementation, preparing reports on the level of implementation of the measures, and informing the Commission of the need to adopt additional measures.