Trade unions representing workers at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) have criticised the Ministry of Energy for what they describe as hasty and erratic decisions regarding the electricity market and emerging natural gas market.
In a lengthy statement released today, the unions warned that unless the Energy Ministry takes immediate action to install two new flexible power generation units and a storage system at the Dhekelia power station, which have been licensed by CERA, there is a serious risk of power shortages and potential blackouts.
The unions said the risk of electricity shortages is exacerbated by delays in natural gas supply, which will keep EAC’s sixth unit at Vasilikos power station inactive despite nearing completion.
According to workers, EAC was required to install a unit that cannot burn oil in the interim period until natural gas becomes available.
The privately-owned PEC faces similar challenges, as its units at the Vasilikos power station under construction (260 megawatts) can only operate on natural gas, with any conversion to diesel requiring significant time and investment.
The unions criticised the ministry’s handling of the natural gas supply project, noting that whilst EAC was initially tasked with bringing natural gas to Cyprus, this responsibility was later transferred to the Natural Gas Public Company (DEFA) after considerable time had passed.
They also expressed surprise at the ministry’s suggestion to abolish the emerging natural gas market status, a move reportedly supported by the president of the Electricity Market Association.
Regarding infrastructure, the unions emphasised that the ministry and CERA had previously abandoned plans to make Vasilikos the sole generation point and dismantle the Dhekelia station, ultimately accepting EAC’s proposals for developing and modernising Dhekelia to ensure adequate power distribution across the island.
The unions concluded by stressing the urgent need to install the new generation units at Dhekelia, including storage facilities, and to create infrastructure for future combined cycle unit upgrades to enhance operational efficiency.
