On Tuesday, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Cristina Pereteatcu, responsible for digitalization, visited the northern part of the country to discuss the results achieved in implementing the smart metering project, carried out with the support of UNDP Moldova and the Government of Italy.

During the meeting with the director of the SA RED-Nord branch in Edineț, Adrian Paladi, they discussed the progress made and plans to mobilize teams immediately after completing the manual monthly data collection procedure from meters. An important topic addressed was the need to organize efficient data collection from medium voltage feeders, which distribute energy to consumers by transporting it from the transport network boundaries through RED-Nord's distribution networks. This will allow for the detection of exact loss volumes and the causes of technological or commercial losses.

It is worth noting that the distribution network segments in Edineț district involved in the smart metering project include six step-down transformation points, from high voltage to medium voltage (110 kV/10 kV), distributed across 32 feeders. These devices are used to reduce voltage, making it suitable for further distribution to consumers.

"As part of the smart metering project, we aim to install all 13,000 meters in Edineț, Cupcini, and several nearby villages. Currently, almost 4,000 meters have been installed, and by the end of March, an additional 9,000 will be installed in Edineț," stated Cristina Pereteatcu.

During the same visit, Cristina Pereteatcu also discussed with the general director of SA RED-Nord, Iurie Beșliu, measures to accelerate the installation of smart meters and the need to process the collected data.

Additionally, Iurie Beșliu requested support in implementing a data analysis solution that will later be integrated into SA RED-Nord's existing infrastructure. State Secretary Cristina Pereteatcu reiterated that the company will benefit from the support of the Ministry of Energy team and will receive all necessary assistance provided within the project implemented by UNDP Moldova to enhance the comfort level of end consumers in the northern part of the country.

"Edineț Municipality serves as an example for other localities in the Republic of Moldova regarding the implementation of innovative projects and the use of modern technologies. This smart metering project will bring significant benefits to the city's residents," mentioned Cristina Pereteatcu during the discussions.

During the visit, the State Secretary also held discussions with local authorities, including the mayor of Edineț Municipality, Constantin Cojocaru, vice mayors, school principals, and kindergarten directors, on the topic of implementing European projects to support the digitalization of the sector, strengthening building energy efficiency programs, and implementing educational programs to promote sustainable lifestyles among students.

It is worth recalling that the smart meter installation program is part of a broader project implemented in partnership with UNDP Moldova, with financial support from the Government of Italy. Its goal is to build a more resilient energy infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce energy dependence, thereby aligning the energy sector with European standards.

Edineț is one of 21 districts where smart meters will be installed as part of the pilot metering project implemented by the Ministry of Energy, with support from UNDP Moldova and funding from the Government of Italy.

In 2024, 3,000 meters were installed, and during the current year, 32,000 smart meters will be installed, with an additional 25,000 meters in 2026. The consumption points where smart meters will be installed as part of the pilot project were selected through a transparent process, ensuring national representativeness. Criteria considered included:

Geographical location, including both urban and rural areas;

Population density—selecting localities with dense populations (more than 40,000 households) as well as less populated areas (fewer than 500 households);

Electricity consumption—households with consumption ranging from less than 10 kWh per month to over 180 kWh per month;

Available electrical infrastructure—considering the diversity of electrical installations, from modern networks to older electrical networks, to test technology compatibility;

Energy vulnerability—to analyze the impact of smart meters on vulnerable consumers.

By 2027, 60,000 households are expected to be equipped with smart meters, representing 4.3% of the total 1.4 million electricity consumers.