Worker unions at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) are highlighting the risk of further increases in electricity prices if the Ministry of Energy proceeds with its policy to compensate for surplus energy produced by photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Speaking on the radio program Proino Dromologio, the President of SEPAHIK (EAC’s union of scientists), Marios Pappoutis, emphasized that such a development would mainly burden consumers who have not installed photovoltaics. He simultaneously questioned the constitutionality of burdening the EAC’s budget with these costs. Mr. Pappoutis recalled that employees have been taking dynamic industrial action for months and indicated that following the elections, the unions will decide on their next steps.

In a separate intervention, the Chairman of the EAC Board of Directors, George Petrou, stated that the Organization cannot withstand any further non-recoverable expenses. He noted that the Board does not agree with the compensation for surplus production from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and will join the unions in reacting to this specific issue.

However, he expressed disagreement with the unions' methods of reaction, stating pointedly that it is unacceptable for them to be invited to a dialogue and refuse to attend.

Source: Brief