Cristina Pereteatcu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and responsible for digitalization, held several meetings with representatives of the Italian Government and energy and environment experts from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS Kiev, to discuss progress and future perspectives regarding the implementation of the smart metering program.

The discussions took place during the Italian delegation’s visit on May 22–23, which included Stefano Osti, an expert from AICS Kiev. The delegation visited the offices of distribution operators Premier Energy and RED-Nord, including field locations in Bălți, where the electrical networks have been placed underground and households are equipped with smart meters that allow remote reading. These smart meters have been installed in special boxes located on the street, allowing easy verification without disturbing the residents.

In addition to technical aspects related to the installation of these next-generation meters, the discussions also addressed key topics for the development of modern digital infrastructure in the energy sector, such as cybersecurity, the integration of collected data with billing platforms, and the implementation of consumer behavior change strategies.

Cristina Pereteatcu highlighted the valuable support offered by the Government of Italy and UNDP, key partners in the digitalization of the national energy system:

“Digitalization is crucial for the energy sector because it enables efficiency, cost reduction, and a cleaner, more sustainable energy system. It helps integrate renewable energy sources, improves grid reliability, and facilitates the development of new business models.”

The working visit to Bălți also included a meeting with Iurie Beșliu, General Director of RED-Nord, as well as discussions with engineers from Moldova and international experts involved in the project’s implementation. Cristina Pereteatcu was accompanied by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Between 2023 and 2025, 35,000 smart meters were delivered to distribution operators and are currently being installed in the northern and central-southern regions of the country. By the end of 2026, a second batch of 25,000 smart devices is expected to be installed. The pilot project is managed by the Ministry of Energy in partnership with donors and international organizations.