Households and businesses across Cyprus will soon have better control over their electricity costs, thanks to the nationwide rollout of smart meters by the electricity authority of Cyprus (EAC).

With 500,000 smart meters set to be installed by 2028, the ambitious project aims to help consumers monitor their energy usage in real-time while enhancing the reliability of the country’s power supply.

Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Press Officer at EAC’s Public Relations Department Christina Papadopoulou explained how the new system will allow users to track their consumption through a mobile app.

“Once consumers are aware of their daily energy usage, they can manage it more efficiently. They will be able to reduce unnecessary consumption, adjust air conditioning settings, and even detect energy wastage in their premises,” she said.

Related Articles

Smart meters will provide consumers with two key ways to save on electricity bills.

“Firstly, having access to real-time data through the app means that households can make informed decisions about their energy use,” Papadopoulou noted.

“For example, they can cut back on using high-energy appliances when not needed or adjust their air conditioners to an optimal temperature. If a household notices unusual energy spikes, they can investigate and take corrective actions, such as replacing inefficient appliances or repairing faulty wiring.

The second way to save involves taking advantage of the competitive energy market.

“Consumers will be able to choose an energy provider with the best rates. They can also shift their electricity use to off-peak hours when rates are lower,” she said.

“This means running appliances like washing machines and dryers at night instead of during peak afternoon hours, which will automatically reduce costs.”

Each smart meter installation requires a brief 20-minute power outage. However, EAC has measures in place to ensure a smooth transition.

“Our teams are instructed to inform consumers in advance by knocking on their door or ringing the intercom,” Papadopoulou assured.

“For businesses, we offer the flexibility to delay the installation for a short period if they are in the middle of an important task. In exceptional cases, we can even reschedule for a later time or another day.”

Beyond individual benefits, the large-scale smart meter rollout will also enhance the reliability of Cyprus’ electricity supply.

“The smart infrastructure will provide real-time data on the quality of electricity being supplied,” Papadopoulou explained.

“This means that EAC’s distribution system operator (DSO) will be immediately alerted to any faults in the network, allowing for quicker detection and repair of power outages.”