Nicosia, Cyprus. Workers at the Electricity Authority (EAC) on Tuesday threatened escalating strike action, calling for independent investigations into what they described as suspicious activities that could undermine the state-run utility and increase consumer prices.
Unions to decide on further industrial action
In a joint statement, trade unions Epopai, Sidikek, Sepaik and Syvaik said they would convene in the coming days to decide further industrial action. The unions previously held warning strikes on February 27 and March 18, each lasting a few hours.
Calls for investigations into tenders and permits
The unions said they want independent authorities to examine various issues and provide answers. They asked who hindered the EAC in relation to a tender it had launched for leasing land intended to host solar parks.
They also called for an investigation into which former state officials obtained renewables permits for private interests, whom they work with today, who obtained renewables and conventional production permits, and the processes by which renewables permits are sold, alleging the permits are being marketed for “exorbitant amounts”.
The statement followed allegations heard in parliament that about two-thirds of renewables permits did not result in solar parks, with permit holders retaining them and later selling them at significantly inflated prices.
Questions over CyTA role in energy and Etyfa payment
The unions also sought explanations for why the state intends to allow the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CyTA) to enter the energy sector. They asked whether CyTA’s involvement could be linked to the sale of RES permits at lucrative prices.
They further requested an investigation into who compelled the EAC to pay Etyfa €43 million overnight, saying EAC technocrats were divided on the matter.
What steps do you think should be taken to ensure transparency in the issuing and trading of renewables permits?
