May 4, 2026, Chișinău - The Chitic family from the village of Călmățui, Hîncești district, who are raising nine children, has managed to significantly reduce their firewood consumption for heating and maintain a stable indoor temperature following energy efficiency renovations carried out through the State Program “Energy Efficiency Fund in the Residential Sector of Moldova” (FEERM), administered by CNED.

The nine children, aged between 3 and 16, have a well-organized daily routine—school, kindergarten, daily activities, and shared responsibilities among all family members. For over 9 years, Natalia and Mihail Chitic have been foster parents for six children, continuing the family model in which Natalia herself grew up, alongside other children in placement. Mihail works locally as a welder, and together they lead an active life, balancing work and family responsibilities every day.

Through the FEERM State Program, their home benefited from energy rehabilitation works such as foundation waterproofing, wall insulation with mineral wool, and roof insulation. These interventions have helped reduce heat loss and maintain a stable indoor temperature.

Previously, the family consumed around 12 cubic meters of firewood per heating season. Now, this amount has nearly been cut in half, and this winter was significantly more comfortable.

Natalia shares: "The firewood we bought last year lasted us through the season, and we even have some left for the next one, because the house retains heat much better. The hardest part is the financial side—there are many needs, from clothes and education to medicines—but after the renovation, we are also able to save."

For a large family with significant daily expenses, these savings make a real difference in the household budget.

The process began after the family learned about the program and was visited by CNED experts.

"At first, we could hardly believe such programs existed, but we were informed and decided to try," Mihail recalls.

The works were completed in a short period of about one month, with 50% funding from the European Union and the Government of Germany, and 45% covered by the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund. The family’s own contribution was 5% of the total cost.

The FEERM State Program supports energy-vulnerable households in renovating their homes, covering up to 95% of eligible costs.

For the Chitic family, the result is a warmer home and a more manageable daily life.

The FEERM Program is developed by the Government of the Republic of Moldova with financial support from the European Union, implemented by the National Center for Sustainable Energy and the Ministry of Energy, and supported through the project “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies for Moldova” (E4M). E4M is implemented by GIZ together with the Government of the Republic of Moldova, funded by the Government of Germany and co-financed by the European Union, Norway, and Denmark. The content of this material represents the sole responsibility of the project “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies for Moldova” (E4M).

Useful information: https://cned.gov.md/ro/feerm [1]