Cyprus is expected to face partial, rotating blackouts nationwide from Thursday afternoon as the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSOC) forecasts a shortfall in electricity generation due to indefinite industrial action announced by trade unions at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).
According to the TSOC, electricity generation deficits are expected to occur daily between 5:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., with the most severe shortages anticipated during peak-demand hours.
Up to 25% of demand may be cut
The operator warned that during the evening peak period, between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., load shedding could reach up to 25% of total electricity demand.
Power cuts will be implemented on a rotating basis by area, with the schedule for each region to be published on the TSOC website one day in advance.
The actual extent of the outages will depend on several factors, including:
- Electricity demand levels
- Weather conditions
- Availability of generation units
The operator also warned that curtailments of electricity produced by renewable energy sources (RES) are expected to increase.
Impact of industrial action
TSOC said it had been informed by the EAC that trade unions intend to limit the number of available generating units and will not carry out unit start-ups or shutdowns.
In addition, if a generating unit suffers a fault, there is no guarantee that it can be replaced promptly by another unit.
Should these measures be implemented as announced, TSOC and the Distribution System Operator (DSO) will be forced to proceed with electricity-demand reductions whenever available generation capacity is insufficient to meet consumption.
Competitive electricity market suspended
The operator further announced that the Competitive Electricity Market will be suspended for the duration of the emergency measures.
Market participants will receive separate guidance outlining the temporary arrangements that will apply during the period of disruption.
Authorities monitoring the situation
TSOC said it has informed the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry and the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) and remains in continuous coordination with all relevant authorities.
The operator acknowledged the inconvenience that consumers may face and said every effort would be made to minimise the impact of the announced measures.
"TSOC understands the inconvenience that may be caused to consumers and will take all possible steps to limit the consequences to the greatest extent possible," the statement said.
