The government plans to open up the competitive energy market in the autumn, deputy government spokesperson Niovi Parisinou said on Tuesday.

She was speaking following a meeting chaired by President Nicos Anastasiades with Energy Minister Natasa Pilides, the energy system operator head, the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) board and other officials, to discuss the matter.

According to Parisinou, the president said he was satisfied with the timeframe, according to which the energy market will open up in the autumn.

She added that “it was agreed that everything is moving ahead according to plan, and it was emphasised that the government is determined to take all the necessary actions for a smooth opening of the electricity market that will benefit consumers”.

The instalment of a management system for the competitive electricity market is included in the government’s Recovery and Sustainability Plan, with a budget of €4.7 million.

Finally, Parisinou said that “the president praised the excellent cooperation between the Cyprus Transmission System Operator, CERA and EAC”.