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The Alliance, with support from USAID, started its activity in Moldova in 2001 with an initiative to develop a regional network promoting energy efficiency at the municipal level. The Alliance’s goal was: (i) to design and implement innovative energy efficiency policies and identify barriers to their successful adoption; (ii) to build and strengthen the local capacity of regional and municipal stakeholders; (iii) to develop and attract financing for energy efficiency projects in Moldova; (iv) to bring useful energy management experiences from other countries; (v) to implement demonstration projects to prove small energy efficiency investments can reduce costs, improve comfort and offer other benefits.
Policy Reform
Moldova's heating infrastructure is in serious disrepair. Non-payment is chronic and many residents have not had hot water in years. There is an urgent need to open the sector for alternative heating options, encourage private sector participation, and improve consciousness and responsibility of final consumers. This naturally requires reliable heat services that can be regulated in accordance with the actual demand and financial capabilities. To improve the regulatory framework:
- The Alliance and its consultants recommended an approach that included a new national heat policy, followed by targeted interventions to accelerate the implementation of that policy. As a first step, the Heat Sector Development Strategy was drafted that was approved by the Government later in February 2003.
- The Alliance drafted a timetable of short term and long-term tasks necessary for the development of the National Heat Strategy.
- Following the National Heat Strategy, the Alliance jointly with the Ministry of Energy drafted a Law on Heat Energy approved by the Government and awaiting for its adoption in the Parliament
Education and Awareness Campaign
- The Alliance produced a video “How to Save Energy” and played the film on the 1st Russian ORT and on the National Channels. The film was played over 100 times during 2 months.
- The Alliance in cooperation with the National Agency for Energy Conservation and National Association of Housing and Real Estate Services published 2 booklets informing the consumers on easy energy-saving tips, heat metering, low-cost weatherization techniques (window caulking, weather stripping, radiator guards, door sweeps, etc.). The booklets were distributed to all homeowner associations in Chisinau, schools and interested organizations.
- The Alliance drafted and published an energy efficiency booklet for condominium managers covering energy saving measures for the buildings.
- The Alliance organized a press conference to summarize the positive results of the study tour to Lithuania and Poland.
Demonstration Projects
- The Alliance implemented three demonstration projects in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, to show the best results out of the energy efficiency actions and propagate positive experiences.
- The Telecommunications College revealed the potential to save energy and money while making classrooms more comfortable during the winters. The options include replacing old inefficient windows and installing automatic control systems to allow classroom temperatures to be adjusted to the needs based on occupancy, time of day and season.
- Two other demonstration projects were implemented in school No.83 and 95. Automatic controllers were installed to regulate heat consumption in school buildings that will save 15 to 30 percent of the energy costs. Both cases were aimed at showing that such investments in public buildings will soon provide additional money for education and other social services.
Regional Training
- The Alliance conducted a training course on Energy Planning and Management and Business Plan development for 10 municipalities. The goal of the course was to enhance the capacity of municipal experts to implement efficient energy policy in their municipalities.
- A number of selected municipal officials took part in various seminars and conferences organized by the Alliance throughout the region, including the study tour to Poland and Lithuania within the Heat Sector Development Program in Moldova. The Moldovan representatives discussed the legal and financial mechanisms for energy efficiency programs; municipal structure and responsibilities; housing maintenance companies and residents; the role of condominiums in municipalities; investments and development projects; case studies; heating systems for energy saving purposes; energy tariff structures; restructuring and privatization of DH companies, etc.
For more information visit: www.munee.org or contact: Astghine Pasoyan, Alliance to Save Energy.
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