The installation of smart meters under the pilot programme implemented with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Moldova (https://contorinteligent.energie.gov.md/), the automation of electricity meter readings and billing, and options for expanding the number of beneficiaries were discussed at a meeting on 30 September 2026. The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE), UNDP, distribution system operators, and electricity suppliers.

The digital transformation pilot programme has been underway since 13 June 2023. It initially covered 3,000 beneficiaries in Bălțiul Nou and Chișinău, followed by a demonstration phase throughout 2024. In 2025, the programme was gradually expanded with an additional 32,000 smart meters across 21 districts. A tender is currently underway to procure a further 65,000 smart meters.

Participants reviewed the pace of meter installation, beneficiary selection criteria, the frequency of data collection, and the benefits for consumers and operators. A key topic was ensuring that the entire process functions properly, from automatic meter readings to the issuance of bills.

“Smart metering means automatic readings, bills based on actual consumption, and easier access to consumption data. To ensure that people fully benefit from these advantages, we must make sure the entire process works properly, from the meter to the bill and the consumer portal. The results presented provide a basis for expanding the programme, and the next steps must be carefully planned, taking into account consumer needs and the financial and tariff impact,” said Carolina Novac.

According to information presented at the meeting, the initial implementation of automated readings and billing for the 44,520 consumers involved in the pilot programme achieved a reading and billing rate of more than 98%.

For consumers served by FEE-Nord SA who have smart meters, readings are collected automatically on the first day of each month, replacing the previous practice of taking readings throughout the month. The data are transferred to the billing system integrated with the distribution system operator RED-Nord SA, and the supplier is notified when the data are available for issuing bills.

The meeting also featured demonstrations of the current versions of the consumption monitoring dashboard and the Consumer Portal. These tools are designed to provide information on consumer behaviour and help improve electricity consumption efficiency. Discussions focused on the conditions required to make the platforms fully operational, including their hosting and maintenance after the pilot programme ends.

Replacing existing meters alone is not enough to unlock the full potential of the new technologies. Participants therefore examined the implementation of Head-End System (HES) and Meter Data Management System (MDMS) platforms, which enable communication with smart meters and the collection, verification, and processing of data needed for billing and consumption analysis.

Participants also reviewed the preliminary findings of a pre-feasibility study on expanding the programme. Three implementation pathways were examined, including replacing meters whose metrological verification is due to expire soon and gradually increasing coverage. Three financing options were also assessed.

According to the preliminary assessment, the scenario involving the installation of approximately 400,000 smart meters between 2028 and 2030 would place the least financial and tariff pressure on consumers among the options considered. The meeting also presented the criteria for prioritizing installations and the conditions required for the programme’s expansion.