Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ electricity system is operating with limited reserves after record demand and production unit failures increased pressure on the grid during a prolonged heatwave. Evening peak-hour coverage depends on the successful return of an additional unit at the Dhekelia power station.
Limited evening capacity
National energy centre assistant director Haris Zavallis said electricity coverage between 6pm and 10pm remained marginal.
Speaking to Omega TV, Zavallis said the Electricity Authority of Cyprus expected a unit to be added at Dhekelia at about 4pm. If it operates smoothly, evening demand is estimated to be covered, although the system will operate without sufficient reserves.
He said any further failure could affect the ability to meet demand.
“If we lose a small unit, the system will be at its limits, while if we lose a larger unit, we will be unable to cover the demand,” he said.
Generation units and demand
A large production unit at the Vasilikos power station failed on Monday and is not expected to return to operation until next week.
Another unit previously out of service is expected to become available, while four units are currently operating at Dhekelia.
Zavallis said evening demand was expected to reach about 1,090 megawatts, while available generation capacity was estimated at 1,143 megawatts if the Dhekelia unit returns successfully.
Record consumption
Electricity consumption reached a new record on Monday, when demand rose to 1,321 megawatts, exceeding the previous record of 1,289 megawatts recorded on July 22, 2024.
Zavallis said demand was expected to rise further as the heatwave, which has lasted seven days, continues to increase air-conditioning use.