Moldova declares 60-day energy emergency

CHISINAU. March 25 (Interfax) - Moldova has declared a 60-day energy emergency endorsed by the parliament on Tuesday evening at the government's request.

The discussion lasted for four hours, and 72 members of all factions but those of the Party of Socialists and the Party of Communists voted for.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu presented the draft to the parliament and said the measure was absolutely necessary "in the wake of Russian strikes, which damaged a section of the Isaccea-Vulcanesti power transmission line on the Ukrainian territory yesterday."

"Please note that the line provides up to 60%-70% of power consumption [on the west bank of the Dniester]," Munteanu said.

The emergency will allow the government "to act fast" and avoid possible outages, he said.

"The power network is running at the limit of its capabilities and is prone to risks, which might recur. By declaring an emergency, we can organize and maintain islands of consumption fed by 110 kV power lines and ensure emergency procurement. We will be able to protect critical infrastructure and work directly with companies and external partners. We will prioritize consumption. This will protect vital social institutions and the population," Munteanu said.

He urged the population to "use power in a responsible manner, to abstain from unessential consumption, especially during peak hours" and to seek information from official sources only.

The factions of the Party of Communists and the Party of Socialists did not vote. Leader of the Party of Socialists Igor Dodon said, "The governments of Natalia Gavrilita and Dorin Recean declared an emergency already and it was when serious abuse was committed: tens of billions of lei were stolen, gas and electricity procurement was not transparent, excessive prices were paid, and even secret transactions were carried out."