Nicosia, Cyprus. Plans to install air conditioning in public schools are facing delays, with electrical contractors warning that technical constraints and grid limitations could prevent systems from operating during the summer. Authorities say the programme is progressing across districts.
Contractors cite infrastructure and grid constraints
Speaking on Alpha TV on Monday, electricians’ union representative George Kyriakou raised concerns over school infrastructure readiness and the capacity of the electrical system to support widespread air conditioning use.
Kyriakou said existing electrical capacity in schools may not support the added load, warning that switching on air conditioning in classrooms could cause automatic switches to trip due to problems with cables. He said load upgrades and new transformers are required before full operation can proceed safely.
He also urged caution on timing, saying, “Let’s tell the students and parents that the situation is difficult and let’s go next year,” adding that installation constraints and working hour limits are slowing implementation.
Inspections find unauthorised photovoltaic installations
Kyriakou said inspections had identified widespread irregularities, stating that “out of the 70 inspections carried out, 35 concerned illegal installations or power increases without the approval of the electrical authority (EAC)”.
He said similar issues are being detected in industrial facilities, claiming that in some cases systems were installed without proper checks. “Up to 120 kilowatts were found installed in industries that were not inspected and they connect it to the system themselves,” he said, adding that smart meters are now revealing undeclared energy being fed into the grid.
Education ministry says work is continuing
The education ministry said installation work is continuing under an existing plan to equip schools with air conditioning to improve conditions during high temperatures.
What should parents and students expect about air conditioning availability in classrooms this summer?