Completed buildings across Cyprus are facing lengthy delays in receiving electricity connections, with some properties remaining without power for months despite being ready for handover to their owners.
The issue has been brought before Parliament by AKEL Paphos MP Valentinos Fakontis, who has warned that prolonged delays by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) are causing serious financial and social difficulties for homeowners, businesses and the construction industry.
According to Fakontis, several buildings have been fully completed and are ready to be handed over, yet remain without electricity for five or six months. In some cases, the waiting period is even longer.
The problem is particularly acute in developments where new electricity networks need to be constructed.
Connection procedures can take more than two years
The process involves submitting an application, preparing technical studies, obtaining the necessary consents, issuing technical specifications, constructing the required infrastructure and carrying out a final inspection.
According to the MP, the combined procedures can result in waiting times exceeding two years.
Similar problems are being reported in new land development projects, where delays in completing electricity infrastructure prevent plots from being used and hold up the launch of new construction developments.
Financial pressure on families and businesses
Fakontis stressed that the consequences go beyond inconvenience, carrying wider social and economic implications.
Families who have purchased homes through mortgage loans may find themselves having to pay both mortgage instalments and rent because they cannot move into their new properties.
Meanwhile, buyers of homes and plots face prolonged uncertainty, lengthy waiting periods and additional financial costs.
Construction businesses are also being affected, with delays in property handovers leading to additional bank interest, potential contractual penalties and cash flow difficulties.
The MP warned that the impact extends to construction activity, new investment and the wider economy, potentially affecting Cyprus' reputation as an investment destination.
Calls for better staffing and modernised procedures
Fakontis acknowledged the efforts of EAC employees, noting that many are working overtime to cope with increased workloads.
However, he argued that additional staffing, better planning and modernised procedures are needed to reduce delays.
He placed particular emphasis on the importance of planning electricity connection works in advance and carrying them out alongside building construction.
The aim, he said, should be to ensure that electricity infrastructure is completed before or at the same time as the buildings themselves.
He also called for clear deadlines, adequate equipment and simplified procedures to help speed up the process.
Issue referred to parliamentary committee
Given the seriousness of the issue and its wider implications, AKEL has referred the matter to the House Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Committee.
The aim, according to Fakontis, is to examine the reasons behind the delays and identify meaningful and practical solutions.
The AKEL Paphos MP stressed that it was unacceptable for a building to be fully completed only for its owners to have to wait several additional months for an electricity connection.
He called for immediate action to ensure that homeowners, businesses and the construction sector are not left bearing the financial burden of prolonged delays and complicated procedures.
