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Cyprus Faces Energy Strain As Cold Wave Hits: Authorities Call For Power Conservation

A cold wave sweeping across Cyprus threatens to test the island’s energy infrastructure in the coming days. Chará Kousiappa, spokesperson for the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSOC), warned that the country could face serious challenges as energy demand surges.

“It will be a tough situation,” Kousiappa told the Cyprus News Agency. “We’re already seeing very high demand, and we’re continuously assessing the situation. We hope things will go smoothly, but we’re ready to act if necessary.”

The cold front is expected to hit shortly, with the most critical period for electricity demand falling between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM—when renewable energy production drops off. During these peak hours, the power supply will be under significant pressure, as several key power units are offline due to scheduled maintenance or technical issues.

TSOC is closely monitoring the situation, and Kousiappa hopes that some of the power units currently under repair at the Dhekelia and Vasilikos stations can be brought back online before temperatures fall. She also emphasized the importance of energy conservation, urging the public to reduce electricity usage during peak hours and shift high-energy tasks, like laundry and dishwashing, to the day when solar power is at its peak.

As Cyprus braces for a difficult few days, authorities are calling on citizens to play their part in ensuring the stability of the island’s power grid.

Cyprus Government Moves Further Toward Fully Digital Payments

Bank transfers accounted for 85% of the total value of government receipts in Cyprus during the first half of 2026, highlighting the state’s rapid shift toward digital payments, accountant-general Andreas Antoniades told the Cyprus News Agency.

Online payments made up another 10% of receipts, while electronic payments made in person represented 1%. Traditional payment methods accounted for just 4%.

Antoniades said electronic payment channels were now “universal in the state”, with digital methods for settling government debts continuing to gain ground. He described the figures as evidence of steady progress toward the complete digitalisation of state transactions.

New €4.1m Payment System

The shift is expected to accelerate following a new contract for processing electronic government transactions, signed with VivaBank Single-member Banking Company on August 12.

The €4.1 million contract was awarded through a tender conducted by the Treasury of the Republic, with the new technical solution expected to be implemented during 2027. Services will initially run for three years, with the government holding an option to extend the agreement by a further two years.

Until the new system is operational, card payments to the state will continue to be processed under the existing contract with JCC Payment Systems Limited, which was recently renewed. Around €1.5 billion in government receipts is processed through JCC each year, according to Antoniades.

Traditional Payments Being Phased Out

Cyprus is also gradually eliminating traditional payment methods. Personal cheques have not been accepted from individuals or businesses since January 1, 2026, while banker’s drafts remain temporarily available. The government plans to withdraw those as well, leaving cash as the only traditional payment option.

Cash is currently accepted for transactions of up to €10,000.

Antoniades said the move toward digital payments forms part of the state’s broader digital transformation, improving the speed, accessibility and transparency of public services while reducing administrative costs and the operational burden on government.

The continued expansion of digital infrastructure and payment solutions, he added, should help create a more efficient and citizen-friendly public administration while making better use of public resources.

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