The beginning of November in Moldova could certainly be described as an "energy-packed" period. In just a few days, several events took place that will directly affect the country's energy security and consumer costs. The long-awaited Vulcănești–Chișinău power transmission line, which had been discussed for more than ten years, was launched. At the same time, the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) proposed raising Energocom's regulated electricity price by 62.7%—from 2.01 to 3.27 lei per kWh, while Premier Energy requested a 1.08 lei increase in the residential rate—from 3.56 to 4.64 lei per kWh, or 30.3%. It seems that Moldova is becoming more energy-independent, but electricity for its residents and businesses may become even more expensive. All of this is happening against the backdrop of persistently high energy costs, especially as the heating season has begun.
A new 400-kilovolt high-voltage power line, approximately 157 km long, was officially launched on November 8, when it was energized. It connects the Vulcanesti and Chisinau power substations, allowing electricity imported from Romania to be transmitted bypassing the Cuciurgan power hub in Transnistria. The project, with a total cost of 61 million euros, was financed by a World Bank loan. Of this amount, approximately 27 million euros were earmarked directly for the construction of the line, while the remaining 34 million euros were allocated for the modernization of substations, equipment, and related work.
The project took more than ten years to implement. The first practical steps were taken in 2013, funding was approved in 2019, and construction was originally scheduled to be completed in August 2024. However, the deadlines were repeatedly postponed, in part due to problems with equipment deliveries. Construction of the line itself was completed in November 2025, after which testing and work at the substations continued. As a result, the official launch took place more than two years late—approximately 27 months behind schedule.
This is a significant change for Moldova. The new line reduces dependence on infrastructure on the left bank of the Dniester, expands import capabilities, and reduces the risk of power outages. However, energy independence in this case means, above all, the ability to independently choose routes and suppliers. It does not eliminate dependence on imports or prices on regional markets.
Against this backdrop, the ANRE's proposal to raise Energocom's regulated electricity price is particularly telling. The company initially requested 3.51 lei per kWh, but the regulator proposed setting the price at 3.27 lei. The calculations take into account not only procurement costs but also accumulated financial variances. Of the 236.4 million lei claimed by Energocom, ANRE proposed recognizing approximately 132.3 million lei. Thus, the increase is linked not only to the current cost of procurement but also to compensation for previously incurred financial deviations.
However, the 62.7% increase in Energocom's regulated price does not imply a corresponding increase in rates for residential customers. This refers to the price charged by the central supplier, which is only one component of the final tariff. The final tariff also includes costs for the transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity.
For its part, Premier Energy has already requested a 30.3% rate increase for residential consumers in the central and southern parts of the country. The company attributes this to an increase in the average purchase price of electricity from 2.62 to 2.89 lei per kWh and the need to offset accumulated tariff deviations. The final decision rests with ANRE. The date for reviewing the application has not yet been announced, but the company expects to offset the accumulated costs by the end of 2026.
For the general public, a potential increase means additional expenses, especially during the heating season. For businesses, the consequences could be even more significant. Electricity affects the cost of industrial production, the processing of agricultural raw materials, the storage of goods, and the provision of services. With high energy costs, Moldovan manufacturers find it more difficult to compete with companies from other countries.
New energy infrastructure does not guarantee lower electricity prices. Additional transmission routes may expand procurement options and increase competition among suppliers, but access to the European market does not necessarily mean access to the lowest prices. Moreover, within Europe itself, there remains a significant price gap between Western and Southeastern countries. This is due, among other things, to transmission network constraints, insufficient competition, and differences in the structure of electricity generation.
Moldova hopes to resolve some of these issues through the further development of interconnections. Plans include the construction of the Bălți–Suceava and Strășeni–Gutinas lines. At the same time, contracts have been signed for wind power projects with a capacity of 170 MW and energy storage systems with a capacity of over 150 MWh. Once implemented, these projects could increase domestic production and enhance the flexibility of the power system. However, building new capacity also requires investment, and its impact on end-user rates will depend on production costs and the terms of electricity procurement.
The Vulcănești–Chișinău transmission line does indeed solve one of Moldova's long-standing energy security problems. The country gains an additional electricity transmission route and reduces its dependence on infrastructure it does not control. But in the thirteen years that have passed since the first practical steps were taken until the project's launch, both energy market conditions and the cost of electricity have changed.
The success of energy reform will be measured not only by the number of lines built and the degree of independence from individual routes. For the public and businesses, stable rates and the availability of energy resources are equally important.
Moldova has taken an important step toward independence in choosing energy sources and supply routes. The next challenge is to ensure not only the reliability of the energy supply but also affordable electricity prices. // 10.11.2026 - InfoMarket.