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Citizens who installed photovoltaic (solar) systems in Cyprus are feeling left in the dark and frustrated as their green energy is continuously cut off, leaving them to rely on conventional electricity. This ongoing issue has sparked outrage, with many homeowners arguing they are paying the price for a system that was supposed to help reduce their energy costs. In response, a group of affected individuals is planning a protest outside the Presidential Palace in early April, demanding action from the relevant authorities.
According to an article written by Kathimerini's Dorita Yiannakou, the problem stems from a practice known as “curtailment,” where electricity generated from renewable sources is temporarily halted to maintain the stability of the country’s power grid. While Cyprus has made strides in increasing its renewable energy capacity, the country's isolated electricity system cannot export excess energy, causing surpluses to be wasted. As a result, the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSO) must reduce the flow of green energy to avoid overwhelming the grid.
...the government is considering new regulations that would allow homes to use the energy they produce for self-consumption, without sending any excess to the grid.
For those who installed solar panels, this means that despite their efforts to go green, their energy savings are limited, with the power cuts increasing losses. In 2024, losses due to these cuts amounted to about 1% of annual production, but that number is expected to rise to 5% in 2025. Homeowners feel that they have been misled, especially as the energy cuts seem to be growing more frequent. Many are calling their solar panels “decorative glasses” on their roofs, since they can no longer depend on the energy they produce.
File photo of electricity storage units
The TSO insists that curtailments are necessary to avoid blackouts, stating that they are following practices adopted by other countries with mixed energy systems. However, the public is growing disillusioned, feeling that they were promised more than the system can deliver. The Ministry of Energy acknowledges the ethical concerns of the citizens, but points out that the contracts allow these curtailments under specific circumstances.
In an effort to address the issue, the government is considering new regulations that would allow homes to use the energy they produce for self-consumption, without sending any excess to the grid. The Energy Minister has hinted at a solution that would allow homeowners to keep the energy they generate, with a technical upgrade that would cut off their systems from the grid when necessary.
Additionally, the government is working on a plan to subsidize battery storage systems for residential homes. This could allow households to store their green energy for later use, helping to reduce reliance on conventional electricity. However, the issue remains a thorny one for many Cypriots, who feel that their investment in renewable energy has been undermined by the very system that was supposed to support it.
With the protest planned for next month, it is clear that many citizens are pushing for a change and seeking solutions that will help them achieve the energy independence they were promised. The outcome of these efforts could reshape how Cyprus manages its renewable energy resources and address the growing concerns of its citizens.
