Government nominates Operator of Electric Energy Market in Moldova

The Moldovan government has designated SRL “Operatorul Pieței de Energie M” (Energy Market Operator M Ltd – OPEM) in Moldova as a subsidiary of the Romanian stock company OPCOM. This decision was approved during today’s cabinet meeting.

According to the government’s communication department, OPEM will serve as the trading platform for electric energy and will manage the intraday energy markets as well as those for the following day. It will provide accurate signals to the market and subsequently enable the establishment of differentiated tariffs for electric energy for end consumers.

Until the markets are fully established, eligible producers will have the right to enter into contracts with fixed prices and “difference contracts” until the Day Ahead Market (DAM) and the Intraday Market (IM) are set up on the OPCOM platform. The contract for difference allows for better integration of eligible producers into the market. In the case of a two-way contract for differences, producers will receive payment in the event of low market prices but will be required to reimburse any surplus over the exercise price in the event of high prices for electric energy.

The designation of Energy Market Operator M Ltd as a subsidiary of OPCOM will contribute to optimizing the electric energy market, promoting transparency and competition, managing risks, and creating an investment-friendly environment.

This decision follows joint efforts by authorities from Moldova and Romania to consolidate and integrate the electric energy markets of the two countries, ensuring a transparent competitive environment in the energy sector through the signing of a Memorandum on December 11, 2023.

Additionally, this action is part of Moldova’s national action plan for accession to the European Union and represents an essential step in Moldova’s energy strategy until 2030.