AKEL party proposes energy security plan amid looming generation shortfalls

The political party AKEL has criticized the Cypriot government for lack of planning regarding national electricity sufficiency by the end of 2029. Party leader Stefanos Stefanou noted that the expiration of environmental exemptions for old generation units at Dhekelia and Vasiliko, totaling approximately 750 MW of capacity, poses a significant risk to the grid. With current conventional capacity at 1,250 MW, AKEL warns that failing to act will lead to electricity supply shortages. The party proposed a six-point and twelve-point plan, including the establishment of an Energy Security and Adequacy Council. Additional recommendations include accelerating renewable energy storage, upgrading infrastructure, completing the Vasiliko terminal, and utilizing natural gas from domestic deposits. AKEL also advocated for a permanent reduction of VAT on electricity to 5% and the expansion of social tariffs to alleviate public financial burdens. These proposals were presented at a press conference in Nicosia on July 10, 2026, attended by senior party officials.