Thermal Retrofit of Bălți's Tallest Residential Block Brings Energy Bill Savings of Up to 50%

According to residents' association chair Sergiu Meleca, heat consumption fell by 20% in the second half of the 2024–2025 heating season, with some tenants saving up to 50%; a drop of at least 35% is projected for next season. Residents also report cooler apartments in summer and a better-looking building.

The works included insulation, a modernised facade, roof and basement insulation, and a switch from vertical to horizontal heat distribution. Total cost was MDL 10 million, of which MDL 8 million came from the Dutch and Slovak governments, SlovakAid and the Energy Community Secretariat; tenants covered the rest through a bank loan, a first in the country. Partners thus pay 80% and residents 20%, a co-financing model that can be replicated nationally. Novac said such retrofits cut bills by 40–50%.