eac workers — eac workers — Workers at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) staged a two-hour strike on Friday morning, voicing their concerns over what they term as the government’s erratic policies in the energy sector and the proposed entry of the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta) into the energy market.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
The strike, organised by trade unions, was a direct response to a letter sent to EAC’s general manager, Adonis Yiasemides. In this letter, unions expressed their alarm over the worsening situation in Cyprus’ energy sector, highlighting an ongoing energy shortage and a relentless rise in energy prices.
Union representatives stressed that the government’s plans to allow Cyta to enter the energy arena are based on the misconception that the telecommunications authority can provide ‘cheap electricity’. They pointed out a host of unresolved labour issues that they believe impede the EAC’s operational effectiveness.
In contrast, Cyta has articulated its ambitions to enter the energy market with the intent of providing access to renewable energy for individuals unable to install solar panels at their homes. Earlier this week, Cyta’s trade unions urged parliament to enact legislation permitting this market entry, warning that failure to do so would deprive society of opportunities for cleaner and more affordable energy options.
A Cyta statement reinforced their position, asserting that with the energy market already open to private enterprises, Cyta should be afforded the same opportunity. They described the proposed legislation as a means to ensure fair competition among all market players.
However, the Competition Protection Commission has raised alarms about these developments. A representative cautioned a House finance committee earlier this month that allowing Cyta into the energy sector could disrupt Cyprus’ newly established open energy market, which began allowing private companies to participate last October.
The Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) had previously indicated that the opening of the energy market was designed to empower all participants—producers, suppliers, and consumers—to make independent decisions regarding their energy management and costs.
Despite these advancements, uncertainty remains regarding the potential for reduced consumer bills. Former Energy Minister George Papanastasiou remarked that the impact on prices would largely depend on the competitive dynamics in what he described as a small market. He noted that the government has adopted a ‘target model’ aimed at creating a unified electricity market across the European Union, encouraging competition that could ultimately lower prices for consumers.
The developments surrounding the EAC strike and Cyta’s proposed market entry continue to unfold, revealing a complex interplay of economic, regulatory, and operational challenges within Cyprus’ energy landscape.
