The issue of electrical appliance damage linked to the installation of smart meters in five homes across Cyprus will be at the center of today's discussion in the Parliamentary Energy Committee. The committee is also expected to receive an update on the overall progress of the nationwide smart meter rollout.

According to available information, electrical appliances in five properties were damaged following the installation of smart meters. An investigation revealed that the damage occurred in homes equipped with outdated circuit breakers, specifically of a brand that has since been discontinued from the market.

MPs noted that technicians from the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) should have warned residents and provided guidance before installation. “Citizens should have been advised to upgrade to modern circuit breakers before the smart meters were installed,” a parliamentary source told Brief. It was also noted that the technicians, despite being experienced, should not have allowed these damages to occur.

“We are asking why smart meters continue to be installed in homes where the risk of damage is known,” one MP said. “We also want to know what compensation will be offered to affected residents, and who will cover the cost.”

In response to these concerns, Brief contacted the EAC, and a spokesperson confirmed that those who suffered appliance damage will be compensated.

Meanwhile, installation teams from the EAC are actively deploying smart meters across Cyprus. According to EAC spokesperson Christina Papadopoulou, 38,000 smart meters have been installed so far, with the goal of reaching 150,000 by the end of 2025. The long-term objective is to install 500,000 meters by the end of 2028.

The mass rollout began in January 2025, covering various regions in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus.

Installation teams inform residents by knocking on doors prior to installing the smart meters. If no one is home, they leave a written notice stating that the installation took place.

If access to the meter is not possible due to the resident’s absence or inaccessible placement, another notice is left, instructing the resident to contact the relevant department to schedule an appointment.