The rollout of smart electricity meters is continuing across Cyprus in January, as the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) has announced new installation plans for various neighbourhoods. This initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency and modernise the island’s electricity infrastructure.
Smart electricity: Targeted Areas for Installation
In the Nicosia district, the suburb of Strovolos will be a key focus, with installations scheduled for Strovolos Avenue, Grivas Digenis Avenue, Ayios Prokopios Avenue, and Archangelos Michael Avenue. The EAC aims to upgrade the metering system in this area to provide residents with more accurate energy consumption data.
Meanwhile, in Limassol, installation work will take place on Archbishop Leontios Avenue, Makarios Avenue, Machaira Monastery Street, Major Poulios Street, Demosthenos Mitsis Street, Navarino Street, Gladstone Street, Ayia Zoni Street, and Thessaloniki Street. These locations have been identified as critical for integrating the new smart metering technology.
Larnaca will also see significant activity, particularly in its coastal areas and suburbs. Efforts will be concentrated along Dhekelia Road, covering the town of Larnaca, the suburbs of Livadia and Oroklini, as well as the village of Pyla.
In the Famagusta district, installations are slated for both sides of Protaras Avenue near the Ayia Varvara church, along with the Kapparis beach area that stretches between the Ayia Triada roundabout and Konstantinos Karamanlis Street. Additionally, work will occur on the road connecting Protaras to Cape Greco, focusing on the stretch between Protaras Avenue and Prophitis Elias.
The Paphos district will also benefit from the rollout, with installations planned on both sides of Tombs of the Kings Avenue, which lies between Apostolos Pavlos Avenue and the municipal boundary of Chlorakas.
Contractual Developments and Financial Considerations
The recent push for smart meter installation follows a contract signed in 2024 between the EAC and the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta). This contract outlines the installation and subsequent operation of smart meters across Cyprus, with an ambitious goal of installing 400,000 smart meters by the end of June next year. The cost for each smart meter is estimated at €125.
Despite previous delays in the project, the Cypriot government has been compelled to move forward with installation, as it is a stipulation from the European Commission for accessing broader recovery and resilience funds. The urgency is emphasised by the potential loss of €35 million in grants if at least 50,000 smart meters are not installed by the end of 2024.
Contract Bidding Process
Earlier in 2024, the government issued a tender for the installation of smart meters, with three companies vying for the project: Logicom, NewCytech Business Solutions, and Cyta. Cyta submitted the highest bid at €50 million, while Logicom proposed a total cost of €33.7 million and NewCytech Business Solutions offered €37.6 million. However, the EAC determined that Cyta’s proposal was the most suitable based on the project requirements.
An administrative court later ruled that Cyta was ineligible for the contract due to it not falling within the scope of their business operations. This decision put the European Commission’s funding at risk, prompting the Cypriot parliament to take swift action to amend the telecommunications law.
Legislative Amendments to Facilitate Progress
In May 2024, a law was passed allowing Cyta to take on the contract. The amendment enabled the organisation to engage in activities that make use of its assets and technical capabilities for projects deemed beneficial. This legislative move was crucial to ensuring the timely installation of smart meters and securing the necessary funding from the European Commission.
A Future with Smart Technology
The ongoing rollout of smart electricity meters across Cyprus represents a significant step towards modernising the island’s energy infrastructure. With the integration of these advanced meters, residents can expect improved energy management and more reliable service, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
As the installation progresses, it will be essential for the EAC to maintain clear communication with residents in the targeted areas to ensure a smooth transition to smart metering technology. The success of this initiative will hinge on efficient implementation and the willingness of the community to embrace these enhancements in their energy consumption monitoring.
