More than 9,000 appliance vouchers are being distributed to families in Moldova as part of a new session of the Appliance Voucher Program (EcoVoucher Program), which starts on April 14 and ends on May 4, 2025.

The program is developed by the Government of the Republic of Moldova with support from the European Union to help families replace old, energy-consuming appliances with new, energy-efficient ones. The current edition of the program is funded by Norway, with a budget of 7.5 million euros.

Each voucher, worth 6,000 lei, covers up to 70% of the cost of a refrigerator or washing machine with a high energy-efficiency rating.

The program aims to reduce household electricity expenses, improve home comfort, and promote sustainable consumption. During the first session of 2025, held from February 26 to March 23, 5,119 vouchers were redeemed, with beneficiary families purchasing 2,283 energy-efficient refrigerators and 2,836 washing machines.

To receive a voucher, the beneficiary’s residence must be registered on the platform compensatii.gov.md and meet eligibility criteria. In this edition, priority is given to families with a large number of children and those with many members aged over 63.

Vouchers are automatically distributed during the sessions, and beneficiaries are notified via SMS, email, and their personal dashboard on compensatii.gov.md. To redeem a voucher, beneficiaries must select the appropriate appliance—based on type and energy efficiency class—from one of the partner stores (listed on the voucher), present an ID and a photo of the old appliance, and sign the consumer declaration.

"The EcoVoucher Program is becoming not just a form of support for thousands of families, but also a stimulus for more conscious choices. We’re seeing how citizens are starting to consider energy efficiency and the real impact of energy consumption on their household budgets when making purchases," said Ion Muntean, Director of the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED).

The program aims for a sustainable impact both for households and the environment. Each newly purchased appliance can generate an average saving of up to 550 lei per year thanks to improved energy efficiency. Additionally, the program requires mandatory recycling of old equipment, which is collected for free by partner stores. This contributes to reducing harmful emissions and waste volume.

"By facilitating access to modern, energy-efficient appliances, Norway aims to support vulnerable families in Moldova to benefit from new appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, helping them reduce energy consumption and achieve long-term savings. At the same time, EcoVoucher contributes to reducing energy inequality and improving the quality of life for beneficiaries," said Kamilla H. Kolshus, Chargé d’Affaires at the Norwegian Embassy Office in Chișinău.

"In this second session, we continue to support consumers in Moldova in transitioning to more efficient equipment. It’s a contribution not only to their daily savings but also to strengthening energy sustainability at the national level," added Christian Borchard, implementation manager of the E4M component funded by Norway and implemented by GIZ.

The program empowers beneficiaries to make better-informed decisions, based on energy efficiency labels, payback periods, and the impact of consumption on household budgets. Thus, the EcoVoucher Program supports not only short-term relief but also the development of sustainable consumption habits.

More information about the program, instructions for using the voucher, and a list of partner stores is available at: www.ecovoucher.md. Voucher availability can be checked at: verificarevoucher.cned.gov.md. Beneficiaries can also get assistance via the CNED Green Line: 0 8005 5005 or by email at info@ecovoucher.md.

The Appliance Voucher Program was developed by the Government of the Republic of Moldova with financial support from the European Union.

This edition of the Appliance Voucher Program is implemented by the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED) and the Ministry of Energy within the project "Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Moldova" (E4M), implemented by GIZ.

E4M is a project implemented by GIZ in partnership with the Government of Moldova and funded by the Government of Germany, with co-financing from the European Union, Norway, and Denmark. Activities under this component are financed by the European Union.

The current edition of the Appliance Voucher Program is financed by Norway.