Smart meters installed at consumers across the Republic of Moldova will be connected to a digital infrastructure that will automatically collect consumption data, verify it, and make it available to operators for network monitoring, consumption analysis, and billing.

This will be made possible by HES (Head-End System) and MDMS (Meter Data Management System) platforms procured with funding provided by the Government of Italy through UNDP Moldova. The digital solutions delivered to the distribution system operators Premier Energy Distribution and RED-Nord enable remote reading, configuration, and monitoring of smart meters. The platforms will be integrated into the existing infrastructure and become fully operational within 12 months.

“Digitalization of the energy sector is not only about introducing new technologies, but about changing the way the entire system operates. The HES and MDMS platforms provide the digital infrastructure needed to automatically process the data collected by smart meters. This will enable operators to manage networks more efficiently, identify incidents more quickly, and provide better services to consumers, while also enabling consumers to benefit from time-of-use tariffs. At the same time, we are laying the foundations for a more flexible and intelligent energy system, capable of integrating increasing volumes of renewable energy and responding to the requirements of the European energy market,” said Carolina Novac, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy.

“Energy is essential both for economic growth and for security. Addressing electricity consumption from the perspective of social sustainability is essential for the well-being of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. This is also the purpose of Italy’s partnership with the Ministry of Energy and UNDP. The HES and MDMS platforms will make the processes of transmitting, collecting, validating, and storing consumption data more efficient and transparent, for the benefit of public authorities, electricity suppliers, and consumers. As smart metering infrastructure continues to expand, we stand ready to support the Republic of Moldova in achieving the objectives set out in the Digital Transformation Programme for the Energy Sector for 2026–2030 and the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan for 2025–2030,” said Giuseppe Maria Perricone, Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of Moldova.

Smart meters measure electricity consumption and transmit the information through data concentrators and communication networks. The HES platform will retrieve this information directly from the meters, schedule meter readings, and monitor device operation. The platform will also enable meters to be configured remotely, without requiring technical teams to travel to the site. Communication is bidirectional: in addition to collecting data, operators will be able to send operational commands to smart meters. HES will also receive alerts regarding power outages, malfunctions, or potential unauthorized interventions involving the meters.

The collected data will subsequently be transmitted to the MDMS platform, where it will be verified, processed, and stored, and then used for network operation, consumption analysis, and billing. If a reading is missing or incorrect, the system will be able to identify the issue and apply the necessary rules to estimate or correct the information. All changes will be recorded, allowing the data trail to be tracked.

Together, the HES and MDMS platforms will ensure the automated flow of data from the meter installed at the consumer’s premises to the systems of distribution system operators and electricity suppliers.

Consumption data will be managed in accordance with personal data protection requirements and the cybersecurity requirements applicable to critical energy infrastructure.

The implementation of HES and MDMS will bring significant benefits to the energy system of the Republic of Moldova.

“These platforms will ensure the automated management of data collected from smart meters installed across the company’s network. As a result, our specialists will have access to accurate and up-to-date information, enabling them to monitor and manage the distribution network more efficiently. In this way, we are continuing the modernization of the distribution network and increasing the efficiency of operational activities, to the benefit of consumers,” said Iurie Beșliu, General Director of RED-Nord.

To date, with the support of the Government of Italy and UNDP, 44,520 smart meters have been installed for consumers in the Northern and Central-Southern distribution areas, together with the related equipment required for their operation, including data concentrators and communication modules. The pilot project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Energy.

The expansion of smart metering infrastructure will continue, and by the end of 2027, the number of smart meters installed in the Republic of Moldova is expected to exceed 100,000. The operationalization of the HES and MDMS platforms will provide the digital foundation needed for the nationwide development of smart metering.