Nicosia, Cyprus. An amendment allowing Cyta to provide new services, including energy, will be sent to plenum after discussions on Monday at the House finance committee. Officials and stakeholders raised issues including competition, viability, and compliance with the market framework.
Legal and regulatory positions
A representative of the legal service said the Constitution did not restrict the scope of activities of Cyta and the electricity authority (EAC), but said issues of competition may arise. State aid commissioner Stella Michaelidou said Cyta’s involvement in the energy sector should be examined regarding its viability, while a representative of the Cyprus energy regulative authority (Raek) said any activity in the sector should comply with the market framework.
Government views on market aims and household impact
A finance ministry representative said Cyta’s involvement might contribute to covering the needs of vulnerable groups, especially where photovoltaics could not be installed. The energy ministry representative said a viable and competitive market was a strategic aim and that any initiative that would benefit households was in the right direction.
Committee and participants
Committee chairwoman and Diko MP Christina Erotokritou said common ground could be found through cooperation. Present at the meeting were the management of Cyta and the EAC, along with trade union representatives from both organisations.
Cyta and EAC perspectives
Cyta chairwoman Maria Tsiakka said the organisation was profitable and that telecommunications provides around the world were also involved in the energy sector. EAC board chairman Giorgos Petrou said this was not a simple feat and that the two organisations should have discussed the issue in depth, adding that losing customers would burden the remaining consumers. EAC general director Adonis Yiasemides said Cyta’s involvement would cause an institutional reorganisation and that the need for a clear division of roles would arise.
What do you think should be the priority for lawmakers as Cyta’s potential entry into the energy sector is considered?
