9 500 vouchers, each worth 6,000 MDL, have been distributed to beneficiaries as part of the EcoVoucher Program session held between 07–31 August.

The vouchers are granted to families with children and households where people over the age of 63 live, helping them reduce their electricity bills. State support allows them to replace old, energy inefficient appliances with modern, more economical and environmentally friendly equipment.

The EcoVoucher covers up to 70% of the cost of a new refrigerator or washing machine with a high energy efficiency rating, up to a maximum of 6,000 MDL.

The program is developed by the Government of the Republic of Moldova with the support of the European Union. The current edition is funded by Norway, with a total budget of 7.5 million euro.

Since the launch of the program, nearly 30,000 families have purchased new, energy-efficient appliances. Vouchers are distributed automatically, based on the data registered on the platform compensatii.gov.md. Beneficiaries can use the voucher during the active session in the partner store networks, provided they hand over an old appliance of the same type for recycling.

The program covers the entire country through 8 retail networks with over 80 stores. This ensures access to energy-efficient appliances and makes sustainability an affordable choice for thousands of families.

Ion Muntean, Director of CNED, stated:”The EcoVoucher Program has become an effective tool that enables people to make rational decisions regarding their energy consumption. We observe that beneficiaries are choosing household appliances not only based on price, but also considering reliability, efficiency, and long-term savings. We are pleased to see that the program is also making a significant contribution to a qualitative shift in consumer behavior.”

“Norway supports initiatives that deliver real impact at both family and community level. EcoVoucher helps reduce inequalities, offers tangible solutions to those in need, and at the same time promotes the principles of energy equity.” noted Kamilla H. Kolshus, Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Chișinău.

Christian Borchard, E4M Component Manager at GIZ, emphasized: “By combining social policy with energy sustainability and engaging the private sector, the program demonstrates that impact can be achieved when mechanisms are transparent and benefits are clear to all parties involved.”

More information about the program, instructions on how to use the voucher, and the list of partner stores are available at: www.ecovoucher.md. Eligible households can check voucher availability on the platform: verificarevoucher.cned.gov.md. Beneficiaries can also contact the CNED Green Line for assistance: 0 8005 5005 or via email at: [email protected].

The EcoVoucher program has been developed by the Government of the Republic of Moldova with financial support from the European Union.

This EcoVoucher program round is implemented by the National Centre for Sustainable Energy through the “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies for Moldova” (E4M) project. E4M is implemented by GIZ together with the Government of the Republic of Moldova, financed by the German Government and co-financed by the European Union, Norway, and Denmark. The current edition of the Home Appliance Voucher Program is financed by Norway.