The state-owned Electricity Authority (EAC) has successfully repaired two power generation units, boosting available capacity to 1,117 megawatts ahead of an expected temperature drop and surge in demand.
The repairs, completed yesterday at Vasilikos Unit 3 and Dhekelia Unit 6, come as authorities prepare for peak consumption periods, particularly during the critical evening hours of 6-9 p.m.
Transmission System Operator (TSOC) and EAC officials believe the available capacity should meet demand, provided temperatures align with meteorological forecasts and no further technical issues arise.
Peak consumption today is expected to reach approximately 1,050 megawatts, typically occurring between 7:00-7:30 p.m., though elevated usage is anticipated throughout the day.
The system’s stability could be further reinforced by wind farm generation, which contributed 80-85 megawatts during yesterday’s peak demand, potentially helping avoid rotational disconnections.
Technical teams worked for several hours yesterday to restore the units. Their urgent reintegration into the grid was necessary to meet yesterday’s demand and prepare for today’s challenging weather conditions and increased use of electric heating.
The gradual restoration process prompted the TSOC to implement extensive cuts to commercial and residential photovoltaic systems around midday yesterday, as conventional generation exceeded 500 megawatts while demand reached just over 780 megawatts.
The widespread photovoltaic disconnections sparked protests from system owners, particularly residential users, as EAC units maintained a higher-than-usual safety margin of 500 megawatts, compared to the typical 250-300 megawatts.
TSOC officials explained that reducing conventional generation to accommodate more photovoltaic production could have compromised the stable restoration of the previously faulty units and system balance, particularly given unstable weather conditions.
The recent supply challenges have forced TSOC to request modifications to EAC’s maintenance schedule, with some unit maintenance being postponed until the situation stabilises.
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