The cuts in photovoltaics may lead to partial blackouts in areas and a "black out", warned EAC trade unions in a statement on Monday, specifically the Free Pancyprian Organization of Electricity Authority Personnel (EPOPAI), the Union of Semi-Civil Municipal & Community Employees of Cyprus (SIDIKEK), the Union of Scientific Personnel of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (SEPAIK) and the Union of Shift Employees of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (SYVAIK).
It is reported that following the announcement of the said unions dated 25 February 2025, in which they raised before the state and all the competent bodies the serious issues of the electricity sector in Cyprus, certain findings are presented. As noted, the decisions to install new production units in Dhekelia are “obstructing”, while the amendment to the Market Regulation Law, regarding central storage, was not discussed on the merits in the House of Representatives.
It is added that "those responsible for the energy sector continue to be consumed in endless discussions and concerns without any substantial result. However, they fail to recognize that in this way they maintain and increase the already increased cost of electricity, the inadequacy of supply and the irrational and uneconomical operation of the country's electrical system."
The announcement points out that "cuts are being made to photovoltaics and we are being led with mathematical precision to the partial blackout of areas, a possible BLACK OUT and third-world conditions for the place."
It is also stated that the Ministry of Energy and CERA, "by preventing EAC from implementing essential projects, bear enormous responsibility" for the situation in which the electricity sector has found itself, with negative consequences for consumers and the local economy.
The unions raise the question of whether it is true that the TSO, with the tolerance of the Ministry and CERA, in the calculations for generation adequacy takes into account the unfinished station of an aspiring producer, which, as noted, "is riddled with a multitude of insurmountable illegalities" and it is noted that "according to the Auditor General's report, actions taken may also constitute criminal offenses."
At the same time, it is added that while, even at the moment, efforts are being made in the right direction for the development of the Dhekelia Power Station as well as the implementation of the central storage project, to resolve the serious issues of adequacy and support for household photovoltaics, it is observed that representatives of private interests are denouncing the Republic of Cyprus to the European Commission, ignoring the needs of the place and state infrastructure, as the European Commission itself has indicated.
"We demand that the State's reaction and response to these complaints be made known, so that citizens who bear the cost and consequences of these actions are also aware," it states.
The announcement notes that the unions recently called on the competent authorities to investigate ex officio "things that for us lack any logical explanation. Instead, we observe that former State officials continue to represent and participate in the activities of private interest companies in the electricity sector." Unfortunately, the unions continue, the lack of control, tolerance, discriminatory attitude and impunity bring about discouragement, irresponsibility and impunity.
The unions emphasize "that the whole situation is not acceptable to EAC employees and we will not remain indifferent." Just as it is not acceptable, as noted, "the current cost of electricity in the area, the insufficiency, the cuts in household photovoltaics, but also the way the electrical system operates."
"Respecting that the entire State will be busy with the supreme issue that concerns the country, our national problem, in the coming days, we will return very shortly," the announcement concludes.
Source: KYPE
