New homes in Cyprus are being completed, buyers are paying their mortgages, yet families can remain unable to move in because the electricity is not connected due to EAC delays. In some cases, the wait for power reportedly reaches two years.
AKEL MP Valentinos Fakontis has brought the delays to Parliament, condemning the impact of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC)’s connection process on homeowners, businesses and the construction sector.
Mr Fakontis says some finished properties have stood without electricity for five or six months, with even longer waits in certain cases. The problem is especially acute when a new electricity network has to be built.
EAC delays can leave buyers waiting years
Connecting a new property can require an application, technical studies, consent approvals, technical terms, infrastructure construction and a final inspection. According to Mr Fakontis, the full process can stretch beyond two years.
The delays also affect newly subdivided plots. Without completed electricity infrastructure, owners may be unable to use their land and developers may be unable to begin construction.
The result is a serious failure in the delivery of a basic service: homes can be ready for occupation, while the connection needed to make them usable remains outstanding.
Families and builders pay the price
Families who have bought homes with mortgages may be forced to pay mortgage instalments and rent at the same time because they cannot move in. Buyers face prolonged uncertainty, while construction firms are left dealing with delayed handovers, extra bank interest, possible contractual penalties and cash-flow problems.
Mr Fakontis says the consequences reach beyond individual households and building firms. Delays can hold back construction activity and investment, while damaging Cyprus’ image as a destination for investors.
Call for staffing, deadlines and better planning
Mr Fakontis recognised the efforts of EAC employees, noting that some work overtime to cope with the workload. But he says that effort has not resolved the delays. He is calling for adequate staffing, better planning and modernised procedures.
He also wants electricity works planned early and carried out alongside construction, so that network infrastructure is ready before or by the time a building is completed. His proposals include clear deadlines, sufficient equipment and simpler procedures.
Parliament to examine EAC delays
AKEL has referred the issue to the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The committee is expected to examine why the delays are occurring and consider practical solutions.
Mr Fakontis says it is unacceptable for a completed home to remain unusable for months while its owners wait for electricity. He is demanding urgent action so that households, businesses and builders are no longer left to shoulder the financial cost of the EAC connection delays.
