Following recent events in Israel and Gaza, government ministers convened to review the package of measures designed to counter inflation. The meeting, held at the presidential palace on October 13th, concluded with an announcement that decisions have been made.

Although there was initial consideration for a delay, it was ultimately deemed necessary to move forward without further delay. As per sources close to Brief, measures supporting consumers are likely to be implemented from November 1st.

Energy Minister, Giorgos Papanastasiou, stated that the final decision rests with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. The President is expected to announce some of these measures next week, once final touches related to public finances are settled.

The Ministry of Energy has proposed relief measures focusing on two main areas: electricity costs and fuel prices. While Papanastasiou emphasized targeted proposals, the Ministry of Finance will have the final say.

Regarding the "Photovoltaics for All" initiative, aimed at relieving middle-class households, the situation remains unchanged from previous reports. Some legal issues persist, especially concerning contracts between various energy entities and consumers. The Energy Ministry is awaiting legal solutions on these matters and also requires approval from RAEC. However, Papanastasiou expressed optimism, setting the goal to kick off the initiative by early January 2024.

The "Photovoltaics for All" initiative allows residential consumers requiring an installed power of 4.2 to 4.5 kilowatts to receive a grant of €1,000. The remaining amount will be deducted in bi-monthly installments of €150 via their energy bills. For those needing greater installed power, the ministry has a plan offering a €1,500 subsidy.

Meanwhile, a scheduled meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Energy was unexpectedly halted, because "The ministry's representatives were unwilling to adhere to customary protocols," reports the Cyprus Electricity Authority. 

Moreover, the CEA highlighted its status as a public benefit entity. It stressed the importance of maintaining transparency in its operations and decision-making. This includes keeping minutes in all institutional meetings, especially those involving members of the Administrative Council, its management team, business activity personnel, and state entity representatives.

"During today's planned meeting, the Ministry of Energy's representatives did not wish to maintain this protocol, leading to the meeting's cessation," the CEA added.

However, in a twist, the Minister of Energy, Giorgos Papanastasiou, told KYPE that the content of the CEA's statement "does not reflect the truth." When asked to comment on the CEA's announcement that the meeting was terminated due to the ministry's refusal to keep minutes, Mr. Papanastasiou responded: "We are disappointed with the CEA's announcement. Its content does not reflect the truth and fails to address the real reasons the ministry's team felt compelled to leave the meeting." Notably, he did not elaborate on these reasons.