Lawmakers discuss special energy plans for refugees and large families

Kathimerini.com.cy

Lawmakers in Cyprus are urging relevant agencies to create two special plans for the installation of photovoltaics, energy-saving, and subsidizing electric mobility for refugees and large families.

A joint session of the Committee on Energy and Refugees discussed the issue on Tuesday in the presence of officials of the competent services, and it was agreed that the competent agencies should come back after Easter with proposals.

Kyriakos Hatzigiannis, the President of the Committee and a member of the DISY party, stated that it is necessary to prepare a plan that will mitigate the costs that refugees pay in the context of energy poverty management. He added that it is equally important to create a special plan for large families for renewable energy sources (RES), energy-saving, and electrification.

Kostas Kostas, a member of the AKEL party, said that the committee opened the discussion to see if the installation of solar panels in refugee settlements or the subsidy for large families can proceed. He added that they asked the relevant Ministries of Energy and Interior to come up with proposals as soon as possible.

Panikos Leonidou, a deputy of the DIKO party, said that the state should gradually find ways to prevent the energy poverty of citizens and the increases in products due to the increase in electricity. He asked for the utilization of solar energy for the benefit of households.

Michalis Giakoumis, an MP of the DIPA-Cooperation party, said that he sent a letter to the Minister of Energy with suggestions on how refugees and those with many children can be helped. He suggested the creation of a photovoltaic park on state land with a state or private initiative to electrify the refugee settlements.

The issue will be further discussed after Easter in a special session in the presence of the political heads of the relevant ministries.