Nicosia, Cyprus. Solar panel owners in Cyprus are protesting after thousands of households reported that accumulated electricity credits under net-metering were cleared from their accounts. The issue has prompted complaints, a petition campaign and calls for greater transparency from the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).
Credits cleared without prior warning
The controversy centres on the clearing of surplus photovoltaic energy credits held under net-metering arrangements. Electricity bills issued in February showed balances built up over months or years reduced to zero, with customers saying they received no prior warning.
Curtailments add pressure on households
Households are also facing widespread curtailments, with solar systems remotely disconnected from the grid during periods of oversupply. Consumers say they are losing both previously stored energy credits and the ability to generate new ones, as electricity prices rise due to increased reliance on oil-fired generation linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
EAC cites 2023 policy changes and outlines timing
The EAC confirmed the reset is part of policy changes approved in 2023 under the government’s renewable energy framework. In a written response, the authority said “the deletion of surplus energy credits has begun” and that “the next clearing of surpluses will take place in February to March 2026 and will be implemented every three years thereafter”.
36-month limit on carrying forward surplus energy
Under amended rules, households operating under net metering can carry forward surplus energy for a maximum of 36 months, after which any unused credits are automatically cancelled.
Have you been affected by the clearing of surplus electricity credits or solar curtailments in Cyprus?
