Newsroom
A recent house fire in Cyprus has triggered alarm bells over how smart electricity meters are being installed, with industry experts warning of potential safety risks if the process is rushed or done without proper checks.
The incident, reported by George Kyriakou, president of the Cyprus Electrical Contractors Association, occurred shortly after a smart meter was installed by crews from the Cyprus Electricity Authority (AHK). According to Kyriakou, the replacement was carried out in the absence of the homeowner, and not long after power was restored, a fire broke out inside the property.
“It’s not just about plugging in a new device. There are technical safety checks that need to be done every time a meter is replaced,” Kyriakou told local media, warning that if those steps are skipped, it can lead to dangerous consequences.
He claimed that he’s received multiple complaints from consumers about how AHK staff have been handling the rollout of smart meters. In some cases, he said, installations were done “at express speed” possibly because workers are paid an overtime rate of just €6.50 an hour, incentivizing them to complete more jobs quickly.
“Speed can’t come at the expense of safety,” Kyriakou said, adding that in some situations, homeowners weren’t even informed or present during the meter swap, which could put both people and property at risk when appliances are switched back on.
‘Be there when they change it’
He’s now urging all property owners to be physically present during smart meter installations to ensure everything is tested properly before power is restored. He also called on AHK leadership to ensure that only experienced and fully qualified technicians are assigned to handle meter replacements.
“These are not routine procedures. It’s about the safety of homes, families, and even lives,” he said.
Kyriakou also warned of “potentially dangerous incidents” if faulty smart meters or shortcuts in procedure continue. While AHK has not publicly responded to the claims, the warnings come at a time when Cyprus is pushing ahead with a large-scale rollout of smart meters in homes and businesses across the island.
For now, Kyriakou says the public must stay informed and vigilant.
“If you’re not there to see what’s being done, you can’t know if it’s been done right,” he said.
