The Government has approved two regulations on the size and manner of collection of contributions from citizens for programs to improve the efficiency of energy resources consumption. The purpose of the approved regulations is to facilitate the implementation of the Home Appliances Voucher Program and the Program for the modernization of the internal distribution system of thermal agent for heating and domestic hot water supply, both measures are financed by the European Union, within the framework of the Project "Addressing the impact of the energy crisis in the Republic of Moldova", implemented by UNDP Moldova.

Specifically, the Home Appliances Voucher Program provides financial support covering 80% of the cost of a large appliance (refrigerator, electric stove, washing machine) assumed by the project, while the beneficiary family will have to contribute 20% of the value of the equipment. Through the "EcoVoucher" platform, which is in the process of being finalized and is being developed on the basis of the "Energy Vulnerability" Information System, some 50 thousand of the most energy vulnerable families will be identified. Free vouchers for LED light bulbs will also be offered. The total cost of the program is USD 5.8 million.

The aim of the Voucher Program is to reduce electricity consumption by replacing more efficient household items than those owned by the selected households, so that vulnerable consumers end up paying lower bills.

The program is implemented in partnership with the Agency for Energy Efficiency (AEE), which will open a dedicated account to collect the 20% contribution and finance energy efficiency programs. After the experimentation phase, it will be institutionalized within the EEA.

In the second programme for the modernization of the internal thermal distribution system, the internal district heating network in four blocks of flats in the city of Chisinau, selected on the basis of a public competition, will be modernized:

Owners' associations:

- CCL 201 in 34 Mircea the Elder Street;

- CCL 119, 60/2 Hâncești Street;

- APC - A0110-0053 from bd. Dacia 39/3;

- ACC 50/33 from Bulgară street 35.

The grant portion of the project implemented by UNDP Moldova and financed by the European Union will be 80%, the owners' associations will pay a contribution of 20% of the value of the works, within a maximum of 12 months after the completion of the works. The cost of implementing this program is estimated at US$ 1 million.

And in the second case, the beneficiaries' contribution will be collected by AEE, money that will be reused for other similar initiatives.

The provisions of the Government Decision are to be applied during the implementation period of the programs described above (August 2023 - December 2024). After the full utilization of the financial means allocated by UNDP Moldova under the project "Addressing the impact of the energy crisis in the Republic of Moldova", the Executive is to ensure the continuity of the financing of the given initiatives by continuing the voucher program and creating the fund for energy efficiency in the residential sector. These will contribute to increasing energy security, with a focus on energy efficiency and increasing the resilience of the population and the national economy to international energy shocks.