The Ministry of Energy has drafted a new Law on Thermal Energy and the Promotion of Cogeneration, aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing heat losses and expanding the use of renewable energy sources. The draft legislation is open for public consultation until 20 October 2026.

The new law is intended to comprehensively reorganize the legal framework, eliminate outdated provisions, introduce new mechanisms and clearly define institutional responsibilities. It will also bring together, in a single legislative act, provisions covering sector planning, energy efficiency, high-efficiency cogeneration, renewable energy sources, waste heat, thermal energy storage, network access, licensing, metering, billing, consumer protection and tariff regulation.

The draft establishes the rights and obligations of distribution operators and suppliers, as well as rules for network development and operation, access and connection, interruptions and restrictions on supply, consumption data management, metering, consumption allocation, billing and consumer information. It also regulates thermal energy production, distribution and supply, licensing conditions, the outsourcing and supervision of certain services, public service obligations, infrastructure access and the continuity of licensed activities. In addition, it addresses the use of land and other assets required for the construction, operation, maintenance and modernization of heating networks and thermal energy installations.

The proposed legislation sets out rules for the organization and development of district heating and cooling systems, with the aim of improving energy efficiency and service quality. It seeks to ensure a safe and continuous heat supply while promoting technologies that enable energy to be used more efficiently.

To improve the planning of heating and cooling systems, the draft provides for assessments of energy needs and potential, the development of local plans and cost-benefit analyses. It also establishes criteria for identifying efficient district heating and cooling systems.

Another objective is to promote high-efficiency cogeneration, which involves the simultaneous production of electricity and heat, alongside the use of renewable energy sources, waste heat recovery and the development of thermal energy storage solutions.

The draft also includes measures to benefit consumers, including improved metering, access to consumption information and stronger consumer protection.

The document partially transposes relevant provisions of Directive (EU) 2023/1791 on energy efficiency, specifically in areas related to heating and cooling, cogeneration and energy efficiency. Further alignment with European requirements is expected to continue in stages through the draft law and related sectoral regulations.

The draft legislation was developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Denmark.

Proposals and recommendations on the draft law may be submitted until 20 October 2026 to detc@energie.gov.md.

The draft legislation is available for consultation here: particip.gov.md.