Smart Meter Deployment Expands Across Cyprus: Enhancing Energy Infrastructure

The Electricity Authority of Cyprus started installing smart meters across multiple regions, requiring temporary power interruptions of about 20 minutes during each upgrade. Deployment is part of a broader effort to modernise the electricity network and improve energy consumption monitoring.

Upgrading The Nation’s Energy Grid

Installations in Nicosia cover residential areas east of Yiannos Kranidiotis Avenue, from Ayios Georgios Street to Alexander The Great Avenue. Additional works extend along Ayios Georgios and Demetris Stavrou Avenues in Latsia. These upgrades aim to improve grid reliability and enable more accurate measurement of electricity usage. Focus remains on areas with high residential demand.

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Targeted Rollouts In Key Urban Centers

Works extend along both sides of the Nicosia–Limassol motorway, from Rizokarpaso Street and Eleftherios Venizelos Street to the Dhali industrial area. Areas including Helioupolis, Kallithea and the municipality of Tseri are included in the rollout. Coverage across these zones expands access to smart metering in densely populated corridors. This approach supports broader network integration.

Broadening The Network In Limassol And Larnaca

Installations in Limassol are concentrated within areas bounded by October 28th Avenue and Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, including Grivas Digenis, Gladstone and Anexartisia streets. In Larnaca, the rollout includes the Oroklini area. Expansion across these locations increases the share of households connected to the upgraded system. Deployment follows a phased schedule.

Expanding Benefits Across Famagusta And Paphos

Dherynia in the Famagusta district is included in the rollout, with installations planned in central areas and along Archbishop Makarios III and Stadiou Avenues. In Paphos, works cover areas in Yeroskipou between Archbishop Makarios III Avenue and Evagoras Pallikarides Street. Further expansion across districts supports nationwide coverage of smart meters. Implementation will depend on installation timelines and rollout progress.

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Alpha Bank Reports Strong Underlying Q1 Performance Despite Capital Pressure

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 25, 2026

Robust Operational Performance

Alpha Bank’s first quarter 2026 report demonstrates a solid operational foundation, as confirmed by analyses from leading institutions such as Citi, JPMorgan, Jefferies, and Deutsche Bank. Despite an accounting impact from extraordinary one-off costs, the bank’s commercial momentum remains unmistakable, driven notably by fee income and resilient net interest margins.

Capital Position And Extraordinary Items

Quarterly results were weighed down by a lower-than-expected capital ratio and a €47 million expense linked to a voluntary exit program affecting around 350 employees. As a result, net profit totaled €182 million, falling 9% below market consensus. At the same time, the restructuring initiative is expected to generate annual savings of approximately €15 million.

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Operating Metrics And Investor Insights

Analysts highlighted the strength of Alpha Bank’s underlying operations after adjusting for extraordinary items. Adjusted net profit reached €221 million, exceeding market expectations by 2%. Fee income increased 29% year-on-year to €140 million, supported by higher revenue from business lending fees, insurance services, investment banking and wealth management activities. Performing exposures and assets under management also reached record levels during the quarter, reinforcing the bank’s efforts to diversify revenue streams beyond interest income.

Market Valuation And Sector Commentary

Market commentary following the results remained broadly positive despite pressure on some balance-sheet metrics. JPMorgan described the quarter as showing underlying strength, while Deutsche Bank and Jefferies maintained buy recommendations with target prices reaching €4.85. At the same time, analysts continued to monitor pressure on net interest margins and dilution in common equity tier 1 ratios as banks adapt to changing market conditions.

Strategic Outlook

Alpha Bank is expected to provide additional details on its medium-term strategy during its investor day scheduled for the second half of 2026. Key areas of focus are expected to include the sustainability of fee income growth, capital trajectory management and shareholder returns. The bank has also maintained its earnings per share target of €0.40 for 2026, representing projected year-on-year growth of 11%.

First-quarter results highlighted Alpha Bank’s ability to maintain operational momentum despite pressure from one-off costs and capital-related challenges. Growth in fee-based activities and continued expansion in assets under management also reflected the bank’s broader effort to strengthen revenue diversification across its business segments.

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