President Christodoulides refers bill on solar energy surplus compensation back to parliament

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides has referred a newly passed bill concerning the compensation of energy surpluses from photovoltaic systems back to the House of Representatives for reconsideration. The bill, proposed by DIKO MP Michalis Giakoumis, mandates that the Council of Ministers issue a decree to compensate owners for surplus energy instead of deleting it. President Christodoulides cites serious constitutional concerns, specifically regarding Article 80, arguing that the law imposes expenses on the state budget without the consent of the executive branch. Furthermore, the President notes issues with the law's retroactive application to existing support schemes and argues it violates the principle of separation of powers. He points out that by excluding recovery of costs through the electricity market, the burden is forced onto the state budget. The administration suggests these provisions conflict with established energy policy and the framework for self-consumption. The President has formally requested that Parliament re-examine the legislative act and accept the referral.