**Transnistria’s Electricity Supply at Risk of Collapse**
The electricity supply system in the Russian-occupied Moldovan region of Transnistria is on the verge of collapse due to a halt in Russian gas flow. Constant Borosan, a state secretary at Moldova‘s Energy Ministry, warned about this risk on January 5.
According to Borosan, there has been a significant increase in electricity demand as residents use electric devices to heat their homes. This has overloaded the networks and created a shortage of around 65 megawatts (MW) of electricity in the region.
The halt in gas supplies was caused by Russia’s state-controlled energy giant Gazprom stopping deliveries to Moldova on January 1, citing alleged unpaid debts by Moldovagaz, Moldova’s state-owned gas company. However, Moldovan officials dispute this claim, saying that an international audit failed to verify the debts.
As a result of the shortage, Transnistria has experienced rolling blackouts, mainly during peak consumption hours in the morning and evening. Borosan warned that power should also be saved in the government-controlled part of Moldova due to interconnected energy grids.
**Heating Outage Affects Thousands**
The heating outage has affected thousands of residents in Transnistria. On January 4, around 1,500 high-rise buildings were without heat and hot water, while nearly 72,000 homes remained without gas. The region’s leader urged residents to use stoves and fire amid dropping temperatures.
**Gazprom’s Claims Disputed**
Gazprom insists that the suspension of gas supplies is due to Moldova’s outstanding debt, not transit issues. However, Moldovan officials dispute this claim, saying that an international audit failed to verify the debts.
The situation in Transnistria highlights the region’s heavy dependence on Russian gas and its vulnerability to disruptions in supply.