Electricity Bill Statements Criticized as Out of Touch by Consumers' Association
In a recent development, the Cyprus Consumers' Association has expressed concerns over a 3% increase in electricity prices, effective from July or August 2025. This increase, confirmed by Energy Minister Giorgos Papanastasiou, is set to impact households gradually.
The price adjustment addresses reasonable expenses of the Cyprus Electricity Authority (EAC) approved by the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) based on an in-depth review of the EAC’s financial situation and the need to support infrastructure, sustainable energy development, and the energy transition. The 3% rise translates to an additional €5 for a household consuming 700 kWh monthly, roughly €30 annually.
However, consumer groups remain worried about the burden on households, particularly in the context of warnings from the Electricity Authority’s scientific staff union about potential power cuts and sharply rising costs due to delayed infrastructure investments. These delays have forced Cyprus to rent expensive generators for upcoming years.
While the tariff increase is modest, consumer apprehension focuses not only on higher bills but also on the reliability of supply and future energy costs amid necessary investments and the country’s shift from net metering schemes to new market structures by October 2025.
In response to consumer concerns, CERA and the Minister have emphasized that the increase is part of the normal regulatory process aimed at maintaining EAC’s viability after previous delays caused revenue shortfalls. However, the Cyprus Consumers' Association believes that a 3% increase in electricity prices will not be imperceptible to households.
The Association has also expressed concern that the start of the competitive electricity market will not lead to lower electricity prices for residential consumers. This concern stems from the fact that no reduction in total electricity bills has been observed by consumers despite the Electricity Authority’s claims of pre-purchasing fuel and emissions at low prices.
This situation underscores a delicate balance between price increases, energy security, and sustainable development in Cyprus’ electricity sector. The Association has urged CERA to address these concerns and ensure that the interests of consumers are protected during this transition period.
[1] Cyprus Mail, "3% hike in electricity prices approved by CERA," June 25, 2025. [2] Cyprus News Agency, "Electricity price increase explained," June 26, 2025. [3] Phileleftheros, "CERA defends electricity price increase," June 27, 2025. [4] Financial Mirror, "New electricity market design to affect consumer costs," July 1, 2025. [5] Cyprus Mail, "Electricity Authority staff union warns of power cuts and rising costs," July 5, 2025.
- The price adjustment in electricity, though backed by the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) and deemed necessary for infrastructure investments and energy transition, has sparked concerns among consumer groups in Cyprus, particularly the Cyprus Consumers' Association, who view the 3% increase as potentially burdensome for households.
- Despite the European Union's (EU) efforts to foster a competitive electricity market, the Cyprus Consumers' Association remains skeptical that this shift will lead to lower electricity prices for residential consumers, citing the lack of observable reductions in total electricity bills.
