Cyprus activates emergency energy mechanism to prevent power shortages

The Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA), in coordination with the Ministry of Energy and the Transmission System Operator, has activated Article 34 of the Electricity Market Regulation Law. This emergency measure addresses potential power shortages predicted in a worst-case scenario where natural gas supplies fail to arrive and the planned electrical interconnection is delayed beyond 2029.

According to CERA Chairman Polyvios Lemonaris, the country faces a significant deficit of approximately 720 megawatts by 2030, exacerbated by the scheduled decommissioning of old units at the Dhekelia Power Station due to environmental regulations. The activated mechanism serves as a safety net to maintain grid stability when power margins fall below critical levels. Officials emphasized that while this measure is necessary to prevent potential blackouts, its implementation involves costs that will ultimately be borne by consumers. The authority continues to monitor the situation through rolling adequacy studies as the country navigates its energy transition.