Unlike in the other European Union Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, most government support in Moldova in the energy sector is the result of reduced taxes and tax exemptions. In 2015 only, mostly due to reduced taxation, the state budget failed to collect an estimated USD 48.2 mln, or 0.7% of GDP. In addition to tax exemptions and tax rate reductions, the Moldovan government supports consumers by making direct transfers to disadvantaged people and by keeping energy utility prices below cost-recovery levels. The government assumes the risk of covering losses of indebted energy companies.