Cyprus power system under strain due to heatwave and technical failures

Cyprus is facing critical electricity supply issues due to a prolonged heatwave and simultaneous technical failures at the Dhekelia and Vasilikos power stations. Haris Zavallis, Assistant Director of the National Energy Control Centre, stated that the system is operating at its limits with a marginal reserve capacity of 183 megawatts. Authorities have warned that electricity demand between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday presents a significant risk of supply shortages. While intensive efforts to restore a unit at Dhekelia were initially unsuccessful, officials hope for its return to bolster generation. Estimates for Thursday suggest peak demand of 1,350 MW during the day and 1,100 MW at night. Consumers have been urged to limit electricity use during peak hours to avoid potential localized power outages. High temperatures are expected to persist until Friday, when the heatwave is forecast to subside. The system currently lacks the standard emergency reserves usually maintained to handle sudden unit failures.