Nicosia, Cyprus. Trade unions representing workers at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus said they will escalate industrial action from Thursday while maintaining uninterrupted electricity generation. Union representatives said only essential safety personnel will remain on duty at power stations during the measures.
Union position on power generation
Speaking to CyBC radio on Tuesday, Kyriacos Tafounas, president of the trade union for employees at Epopai, said the staffing arrangements during the industrial action would ensure electricity production remains stable.
He said that if electricity demand rises or other operational needs emerge, responsibility for managing the system and any potential power cuts lies with the Transmission System Operator.
Reasons for the action
Tafounas said the latest action follows earlier protest measures and is intended to draw attention to what unions describe as serious concerns about the adequacy of electricity supply and the high cost of electricity for consumers.
Proposals on electricity costs and storage
He said the Electricity Authority should be permitted to buy cheaper electricity from private renewable energy producers, arguing that this would help lower costs.
He also said the continued expansion of photovoltaic installations should be matched by adequate energy storage systems to support the stability and efficiency of the electricity network.
