A new batch of smart electricity meters will be installed at over 14,000 consumers. The devices measure and transmit energy consumption data in real-time, automatically, securely and without errors to the energy distributor, eliminating the need for physical meter readings, IPN reports.
According to the Ministry of Energy, smart meters will allow distribution operators to monitor better energy flows and quality parameters, identify faults, restore services more quickly in case of incidents, facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources and introduce flexible tariff structures based on consumption times.
Starting in February 2025, Premier Energy Distribution will install 9,085 smart meters for residential and commercial consumers within its Central-Southern distribution network. Meanwhile, RED Nord will install 5,344 smart devices across its Northern distribution area. In addition to the meters, essential equipment for the advanced metering infrastructure has been delivered, including data concentrators, servers, communication modules, and other components critical for the automated transmission and processing of energy data.
The smart meters are delivered to distribution operators - Premier Energy Distribution and RED Nord. This initiative is financed by the Government of Italy through UNDP Moldova. The pilot program was launched by the Ministry of Energy in 2023, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program in Moldova.
The places of consumption for installing smart meters are selected based on predefined algorithms considering criteria such as geographic location, population density, energy vulnerability levels, socio-economic status, and the availability of existing technical infrastructure.
“The smart metering project marks the first step towards the digital transformation of the energy sector. Beyond enabling real-time data readings, the liberalization of the energy market will allow consumers to benefit from differentiated tariffs, giving them greater control over their electricity consumption,” stated Cristina Pereteatcu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy.
This phase builds upon the initial stage, during which 3,000 smart meters were installed with financial support from UNDP Moldova. By the end of 2025, a total of 35,000 smart meters are expected to be installed, representing 3% of Moldova's 1.4 million electricity consumers.
