Newsroom
Residents of Agia Varvara are voicing their frustration after a sudden power surge on January 23 destroyed electrical appliances in their homes. While they expected full compensation for their losses, they claim the insurance company contracted by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) does not intend to reimburse them in full.
According to affected homeowners, a representative at EAC’s headquarters in Strovolos informed them that their compensation would not cover VAT on the damaged appliances. Additionally, the amount they receive will be calculated based on the appliances' year of manufacture or purchase, rather than their full replacement cost.
Adding to their frustration, residents say they have been asked to submit original purchase receipts of the damaged appliances in person, as email submissions are not allowed. One homeowner explained that compensation processing will only begin once all affected residents have submitted their claims.
This bureaucratic process is particularly concerning for elderly residents, some of whom struggle to meet the documentation requirements. Without the necessary paperwork, they fear they may receive no compensation at all.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed disappointment with how the situation is being managed. “Mistakes happen, we understand that, but we expected them to handle this better,” he said. He also criticized EAC’s previous statements, which assured immediate response and full compensation for those who could prove damages.
According to the same resident, an EAC engineer visited some affected homes shortly after the incident, but no further action has been taken. Homeowners have received no updates, and their damaged appliances—including refrigerators, electric stoves, intercom systems, and security cameras—remain unreplaced. The losses, in some cases, amount to several thousand euros.
Residents are now demanding that EAC and its insurer reconsider their stance and provide fair compensation for all losses incurred. Many feel that the process should be simplified, particularly for elderly residents, and that VAT and full replacement costs should be covered.
As frustration grows, affected homeowners are considering their next steps, including legal action, if their concerns are not addressed. Meanwhile, they continue to wait for clarity—and compensation—for the damages they have suffered.
