• Maria Tsiakka: The Authority Is Asking for the Obvious – Equal Institutional Capacity With the Electricity Authority
• Cyta to Offer Innovative Energy and Telecommunications Service Bundles
• Packages to Target Vulnerable Consumers and Young Couples – Households Without Access to Photovoltaics
• Across Europe Telecoms Operate in Energy; In Greece, PPC

The decision by the management of Cyta to expand into the energy sector did not come out of the blue.

According to employee leadership, the argument put forward in recent days by Maria Tsiakka, Chairwoman of the Board, is entirely sound and is based on the vision of employees within the largest organization on the island, which also pays the highest dividend to the state.

This vision was mapped out in 2022, during the tenure of M. Ioannides and A. Neocleous, within the framework of ESG, relating to the Organization’s Environmental, Social, and Governance strategy.

Beyond the institutional innovation it has implemented – admired even by private-sector organizations – Cyta also moved forward with a pioneering measure.

With the installation of its data center, the Authority installed its own privately owned electricity supply to ensure the project’s sustainability – and it succeeded.

Modernizing the Institutional Framework and Opening the Energy Market

Maria Tsiakka spoke to Brief and strongly defended the Organization’s strategy to enter the energy sector, describing this objective as “a one-way path.” She explains why Cyta cannot afford to remain a bystander.

First and foremost, she stresses that modernizing the law governing the Organization’s status is indispensable. As she notes, the law dates back to 1956, during British colonial rule.

“The legislation will be modernized, and for this purpose a relevant bill has been submitted to Parliament by the Ministry of Finance, so the Organization can move forward,” she states.

She clarifies that very few amendments have been made to the institutional framework over these 70 years. “That law has held up well.”

She points out that the legislation governing the Electricity Authority grants it considerable flexibility.

“It is unfortunate for Cyta to be regulated by such a restrictive law compared to other organizations that enjoy far greater operational flexibility,” she says.

“We are asking for equal treatment. We are not seeking special treatment from CERA or the Energy Regulatory Authority. Cyta no longer holds a dominant market position. We are now part of a competitive market.”

“Cyta is the largest organization on the island and the one that pays the largest dividend to the state. We may be the only one that does so.”

She explains that the Electricity Authority has provided infrastructure to a company competing with Cyta, and no one objected.

According to Ms. Tsiakka, the Electricity Authority also participates in desalination units.

“We are not asking for any of the Electricity Authority’s activities to be removed,” she emphasizes.

“We must all recognize that the market is opening and competition is a given. If it is not Cyta, it will be someone else from the private sector.”

Focus on Renewables and Vulnerable Consumers

Regarding Cyta’s strategy, Ms. Tsiakka says it is clear and targeted.

“The Organization seeks to offer energy from renewable sources to consumers who currently do not have access to such solutions.”

She refers mainly to vulnerable households, young couples renting homes, individuals living in apartment buildings, and small businesses unable to install their own photovoltaic systems due to infrastructure constraints.

She notes that Cyta is examining the possibility of offering innovative bundled packages combining energy, telecommunications services, and technological solutions.

The Organization’s strategic plan is oriented toward signing agreements with renewable energy producers.

At the same time, it will proceed with self-production, combined with storage solutions.

“It is important that we are able to pass on to our customers the benefits derived from the use of renewable energy,” she observes.

She dismisses concerns expressed by the Electricity Authority, explaining that Cyta will operate as an independent supplier with multiple partnerships.

She does not rule out the possibility that other telecommunications companies may also enter similar energy supply initiatives, “possibly without the same social sensitivities,” she notes.

She points out that in any open energy market, as it exists and continues to evolve today, the Electricity Authority will inevitably face competitors.

Maria Tsiakka also dismisses concerns from other competitors in the energy sector.

Cyta will sign agreements with renewable energy producers, as it currently does not have its own production capacity.

She expresses the view that Cyta’s entry into the energy sector will encourage other producers as well, contributing to further development of photovoltaic parks and Renewable Energy Sources in general.

As for private telecommunications providers, she notes that they already have the ability to expand into any sector they consider strategically useful.

She underlines that Cyta is requesting the obvious: equal institutional capacity to operate on equal terms in an open and competitive market.

Asked whether its expansion into energy could create a form of cartel, she responded that the sector operates under regulatory oversight and supervision.

“Competition is determined by the regulatory framework and consumer choices, not by individual organizations or companies. Cyta is a Public Utility Organization and operates with transparency and institutional responsibility. Within this framework, there is no issue of cartel formation,” she stresses.

She notes that the convergence of technology, energy, and services is already a European reality. “Most telecommunications organizations have entered the energy sector,” she says.

She also refers to Greece’s Public Power Corporation, which in recent years has expanded its activities within the energy market.

She considers it a given that other telecom providers will also offer energy packages.

“We believe it would be unfair and damaging for Cyta not to be able to compete on equal terms in an open market,” was Ms. Tsiakka’s concluding remark.

Source: Brief.com.cy