June 9, 2025, Chișinău – The Ministry of Energy held a new meeting of the Smart Metering Working Group, bringing together representatives from distribution operators and international partners to discuss the next steps in the implementation of smart meters in the Republic of Moldova. The event took place in the context of the ongoing pilot smart metering project, aimed at improving networks for efficient energy system management and optimizing electricity consumption.

During the meeting, the main focus was on the sampling strategy and the principles that will guide the allocation of the next batches of smart meters. Discussions centered around identifying the localities where these devices will be installed to ensure the greatest possible impact on consumers. Criteria considered included ensuring balanced national coverage, fair distribution between urban and rural areas, selecting households with high or variable electricity consumption, and including public buildings—such as schools, hospitals, and town halls—to gain a better understanding of institutional energy use.

Attention was also drawn to areas with significant network losses, where smart metering can enhance transparency and efficiency, as well as localities already hosting renewable energy sources, such as rooftop solar panels.

Another key topic was the preparedness of network operators, Premier Energy and RED Nord, to take over and manage the modern smart metering infrastructure. Discussions included measures already taken for internal reorganization, the creation of specialized positions for operating and maintaining smart meters, and the operators’ commitment to supporting the program’s sustainable expansion.

The Ministry of Energy emphasized that the long-term goal is for this initiative to go beyond a pilot project and become a permanent practice, ready for nationwide rollout.

In July, a decision will be made regarding how the next batch of smart meters will be distributed, both by locality and by household. In this regard, Premier Energy and RED Nord will present their own sampling strategies, in line with the principles agreed upon by the Working Group.

The implementation of the pilot smart metering project has been made possible with the support of UNDP Moldova and financial assistance from the Government of Italy.

Between 2023 and 2025, 35,000 smart meters have already been delivered to distribution operators and are currently being installed in the North and Central-South distribution areas. An additional 25,000 meters are scheduled to be installed by the end of 2026.