EAC trade union requests operational flexibility following Cyta's entry into the energy market

The trade union ASTEP-AHK has issued a statement calling on the Cypriot government, political parties, the CERA, and the Board of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) to provide the utility with the necessary tools and flexibility to lower electricity prices. This request follows the approval of a government bill by the Parliament last Thursday, which authorizes the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta) to operate within the energy sector. While acknowledging the political pressure to reduce power costs, particularly ahead of elections, the union expressed frustration that significant energy sector reforms have remained stalled for over 15 years. ASTEP-AHK claims that the EAC has been deliberately prevented from modernizing and adapting to market needs. Furthermore, the union disputes the assertion that the EAC maintains a dominant market position. On the contrary, it argues that current regulatory conditions place the EAC at a competitive disadvantage compared to other organizations entering the energy sector. The union characterizes the current state of the EAC as effectively paralyzed by regulatory constraints.