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Employees at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus are expected to decide within the next two days whether to escalate strike action as tensions rise over electricity prices, energy security, and long-term planning for the island’s power system.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Kyriakos Tafounas, head of the EPOPAI-OHO-SEK union, said the dispute centers on two key issues: the adequacy of electricity supply and its rising cost.
“These are two basic pillars that are under pressure,” he said, warning that without corrective measures, market forces could push prices even higher for consumers.
He also raised concerns about recent legislation involving Cyta, arguing it could further increase electricity costs, though he did not go into detail on the mechanism.
Push for cheaper energy sources
Union representatives say Cyprus, as a small and isolated energy market that still relies heavily on conventional fuels, needs to accelerate its shift toward renewable energy.
They argue this could be done through two main routes: expanding renewable energy parks owned by the EAC or allowing the authority to buy cheaper electricity directly from private producers and pass the savings on to consumers.
“We’ve been saying this for years,” Tafounas said, adding that renewable energy remains the only realistic way to reduce dependency on expensive fossil fuels.
He noted that the EAC already produces electricity from renewables at a cost of around 5–6 cents per kilowatt-hour, describing it as proof that cheaper production is possible.
Concerns over supply security
On electricity adequacy, the union is calling for urgent upgrades to existing infrastructure, particularly at the Dhekelia power station, along with new generating units.
They also warn that older units at Vasilikos will need environmental upgrades if they are to remain in operation beyond 2029, when stricter EU pollution rules are expected to take effect.
Without these upgrades, parts of the current generation capacity could be taken offline, potentially putting pressure on supply.
Water and energy overlap
The union also linked the discussion to water security, pointing to long-standing proposals for new desalination capacity.
According to Tafounas, the EAC had suggested building a large desalination plant in Moni, along with expanding an existing facility in Vasilikos, but those plans have not moved forward.
Instead, he criticized recent decisions to proceed with a privately developed desalination project in Mazotos, saying it involves the use of state land and significant public funding.
