Moldova proposes public interest status for thermal system upgrades

The Ministry of Energy has drafted two legislative projects to declare the modernization of thermal systems in nearly 2,000 apartment blocks in Chisinau and Balti as a matter of national public interest. The initiative aims to prevent the loss of external funding by overcoming legal hurdles related to property access.

In Chisinau, over 1,700 blocks are targeted, while more than 296 blocks in Balti are included in the plan. The projects involve upgrading thermal installations and networks within buildings, installing individual thermal points, and improving common distribution systems.

To avoid delays caused by the requirement for co-owner consent for works in common areas or individual dwellings, the proposed laws would establish special legal easements. This would allow heating companies access to necessary spaces during the execution of the projects without prior approval from all co-owners. Authorities noted that without this legislative intervention, the modernization projects in both cities face significant risks of losing international financing.