Starting Thursday, July 9, 2026, there may be a need for rolling blackouts affecting consumers, as announced in a press release issued today by theCyprus Transmission System Operator (CTSO) in a press release issued today, due to the measures announced by the EAC’s labor unions. It also notes that “due to these extraordinary circumstances, the operation of the Competitive Electricity Market will be suspended for the entire duration of the measures.”

Regarding the power outages, it states that “they are expected to last for as long as the measures remain in effect.”

It also notes that “based on information received from the EAC, the labor unions intend to limit the number of available generating units and will not be starting or shutting down units,” while emphasizing that “in the event of a malfunction in a power generation unit, its replacement with another unit is not guaranteed.”

At the same time, should these measures be implemented, the Hellenic Transmission System Operator (HTSO) notes that, in cooperation with the Distribution System Operator (DSO), it will be forced to implement load shedding during periods of the day when available generation is insufficient to meet demand.

As stated, based on current data, “the generation shortfall is expected to occur daily between 5:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. the following day,” and particularly during peak hours (7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.), the reduction in consumer load is estimated to reach up to 25% of total demand.

Regarding the scheduling of outages by region, this will be announced on the DSMC website the day before. However, it notes that the actual extent of the cuts in real time will depend on demand, weather conditions, and the availability of power generation units.

Increased curtailments of renewable energy

As noted, power generation curtailments from renewable energy sources are expected to increase, and it is noted that due to these exceptional circumstances, the operation of the Competitive Electricity Market will be suspended for the entire duration of the measures. Participants will be informed in detail about the emergency arrangements that will be in effect.

The CERA states that it has informed the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, as well as the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA), and is in constant coordination with all relevant agencies to manage the situation.

Finally, it states that “it understands the inconvenience that may be caused to consumers due to the announced measures and will take every possible step to minimize their impact as much as possible.”