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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 Pioneers Social Business Innovation With New Funding Initiatives

Cyprus is seeing growing interest in social enterprises, as businesses increasingly combine commercial activity with social and environmental objectives. Recent initiatives by the government and the Operational Inspection Service for Cooperatives and Social Enterprises reflect broader efforts to support the sector’s development.

Government Backing And Financial Incentives

A dedicated grant scheme has been introduced, providing support of up to €10,000 to help cover the establishment and development costs of social enterprises. Designed to strengthen the sector during its early stages, the funding aims to improve the long-term sustainability of newly created organizations.

Understanding The Social Enterprise Model

Social enterprises represent a business model that combines commercial operations with clearly defined social objectives. Rather than focusing solely on profit, these entities reinvest part of their income to support social, cultural, environmental or community-related goals.

Cyprus’ Social Enterprises Law of 2020 (N.207(I)/2020) recognizes two categories. General Purpose Social Enterprises pursue broader social, cultural and environmental objectives, while Inclusion Social Enterprises focus on integrating vulnerable groups into the labour market.

Business Community And ESG Integration

According to Andreas Alexi, a senior official at the Operational Inspection Service for Cooperatives and Social Enterprises, the initiative has attracted interest from the business community. He noted that the sector’s alignment with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles highlights its role in supporting employment, social cohesion and local development. Broader efforts are also underway to integrate social enterprises into Cyprus’ economic landscape.

Early Adoption And Market Impact

Four entities have so far been registered in the Social Enterprises Register, with one already operating in the hospitality sector. Launch of the first inclusion social enterprise represents an early milestone for the sector and demonstrates how business activity can be combined with social objectives. During the inauguration, the Operational Inspection Service for Cooperatives and Social Enterprises said the development marked the transition of the concept from legislation to practical implementation.

How To Get Involved

Growing interest in the sector, together with a dedicated legal framework and financial incentives, has created new opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in social enterprise. Application forms, registration procedures and details of the grant scheme are available through the Gov.cy platform managed by the Operational Inspection Service for Cooperatives and Social Enterprises.

Financial support and organizational guidance are intended to help new ventures establish themselves while promoting business models that combine economic activity with social impact.

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