The options and preparatory measures for improving the efficiency of the 12 natural gas distribution companies within the S.A. “Moldovagaz” group were examined at a meeting convened by Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu, with the participation of company representatives and the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE). Discussions focused on implementing the new legislative provisions aimed at optimizing the administrative costs of affiliated distribution operators.

During the meeting, S.A. “Moldovagaz” presented a preliminary model and an action plan for consolidating processes related to natural gas distribution activities. The proposal is currently under review and requires further legal, asset-related, economic and operational assessment. Corporate and asset-related measures will be examined and approved, where appropriate, by the competent bodies, in accordance with applicable legislation and corporate documents.

The proposed economic model will be reviewed by ANRE within the scope of its legal powers and based on the documentation submitted by the company. The assessment will cover licensing requirements, justified costs, estimated savings, the impact on tariffs and the continuity of distribution services. Separately, ANRE has initiated the process of amending Methodology No. 443/2020 to establish the optimization and tariff recognition mechanism provided for by the new legislative amendments.

Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu stressed that the process must deliver real and measurable savings, improve service efficiency and prevent unjustified additional costs from being passed on to consumers. Any decision to recognize expenses in tariffs will be taken exclusively by ANRE, in accordance with the procedures established by law.

Representatives of S.A. “Moldovagaz” also announced that they are preparing proposals to update Government Decision No. 552/2017 on the minimum security requirements applicable to the operation of natural gas distribution systems.

To this end, the company is cooperating with natural gas distribution system operators in Romania. Technical consultations and exchanges of experience are planned to draw on relevant European practices.

The update to the regulatory framework aims to modernize and proportionately apply safety requirements without compromising safety levels, while eliminating outdated, excessive or overlapping obligations. These measures could help optimize network operation, maintenance and inspection costs, thereby easing cost pressures on natural gas distribution services. The estimated savings and their actual impact on tariffs will be quantified as part of the economic model and assessed by ANRE in accordance with the applicable tariff methodology.

The Ministry of Energy will continue its dialogue with the authorities and companies involved to ensure consistent implementation of the new legislative provisions on distribution cost optimization and to modernize technical safety requirements in line with relevant European practices. These processes will respect the powers of each authority and aim to improve cost efficiency and reduce tariff press