The operational procedures of the energy exchange managed by OPEM, a subsidiary of Romania's OPCOM, have been approved by Moldova's National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE). These include the registration, suspension, and withdrawal procedures for participants in the organized electricity markets (Day-Ahead Market - DAM and Intraday Market - IDM). These procedures define the conditions for market participation and regulate the mechanisms for admission, suspension, and withdrawal, IPN reports.

According to an ANRE press release, two additional approved operational procedures concern the functioning of the Day-Ahead Market (DAM) and the Intraday Market (IDM). These procedures set rules for price formation and short-term electricity trading mechanisms, ensuring a transparent and competitive framework for the buying and selling of electricity. They also enable real-time adjustments to participants' energy portfolios, contributing to greater flexibility and efficiency in the energy system.

"Operatorul Pieței de Energie M" LLC (OPEM), a subsidiary of OPCOM SA from Romania, was appointed as the operator of Moldova's electricity market by a Government decision at the beginning of 2024.

According to Constantin Borosan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, OPEM will contribute to the efficient operation of the electricity market and boost investor confidence. The operator will promote transparency and competition in the energy market by implementing fair and equitable rules, ultimately leading to more competitive prices for consumers.

In March 2022, Moldova and Ukraine synchronized their energy systems with the continental ENTSO-E network. Coupling energy markets, along with the construction of new power lines, will facilitate integration into the European energy market.

The electricity market in Moldova consists of bilateral contracts and organized markets, specifically the Day-Ahead Market (DAM), the Intraday Market (IDM), the Balancing Market, and the Ancillary Services Market. Currently, 84 companies in Moldova hold electricity supply licenses, but only two operate in the competitive market, with market shares of 0.14% and 0.34%, respectively. Following OPEM's launch, the share of the competitive electricity market is expected to grow significantly.