39,084 vouchers for replacing old appliances through the "Rabla for household appliances" programme were redeemed

This pilot programme, with a total estimated budget of US$5.8 million (approx. 5.34 million Euro), was made possible by funding from the European Union through the "Addressing the impacts of the energy crisis" programme, implemented by UNDP.

The programme was launched with the aim of helping vulnerable households to reduce their electricity costs by replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones, aligning with the Government's efforts to enhance energy efficiency in the residential sector.

The programme provided financial support, in the form of vouchers, covering up to 80% of the cost of a refrigerator, electric stove, or washing machine, as well as free vouchers worth 500 lei for the purchase of LED bulbs.

As a result, vulnerable families acquired 7,246 large household appliances (3,819 refrigerators, 3,391 washing machines and 36 electric stoves) and 303,336 LED bulbs using the vouchers. Additionally, the programme facilitated the recycling of 7,246 old and worn-out appliances.

"I first heard about the Rabla for household appliances programme when I registered for compensation for the cold season. I logged in for the first time and saw there was a 500 lei voucher for us to get energy-saving lamps. Then I was given another voucher worth 12,000 lei to purchase whatever we wanted for the house. You are allowed to buy a washing machine, refrigerator, or electric stove. Our refrigerator was old, it froze, and the doors didn't close properly. From the 12,000 lei, the programme covers 80%, and I pay 20%. And they brought me this new refrigerator and took away the old one," says Tatiana Leonti, a voucher beneficiary from Bulboaca village, Anenii Noi district.

It is estimated that, thanks to this programme, vulnerable consumers will benefit from lower electricity bills due to the use of more economical and energy-efficient appliances and lighting.

"These vouchers help us a lot to renew old household appliances, which we cannot afford to replace financially. It would mean saving money for a longer time, which is not easy for a family with six children and a grandfather with a disability. We chose a refrigerator; the old one we had from our parents might not be as energy-efficient anymore. We first went to one of the stores indicated in the voucher to get informed in advance," said Mariana Mariț, a voucher beneficiary from Chișinău.

According to estimates, a family can save approximately 1,618 lei per year on their electricity bill just by replacing incandescent bulbs with economical LED ones. The annual savings from replacing a single 60W incandescent bulb with a 7W LED bulb is 323 lei.

"We changed the bulbs throughout the house, in the basement, barn, the whole house. Before, the room was much darker; we had a desk lamp, but now we have put in three bulbs, and the children no longer need the desk lamp. There is light, it's much brighter and economical. The savings were felt immediately, a maximum of 300-400 lei for light, much less compared to the January bill of 835 lei. Now the bill is 475 lei. The savings were felt almost by half," said Vadim Filimon, a voucher beneficiary from Căușeni city.

After the conclusion of the pilot "Rabla for household appliances" programme, it will be taken over and further implemented by the National Center for Sustainable Energy on the ecovoucher.md platform.