The electricity authority of Cyprus (EAC) is pushing ahead with the mass installation of smart meters, with the next batch of areas to receive them announced, it was reported on Tuesday.

The initiative, which aims to install around 500,000 units across the country by 2028, began in January, is part of a broader effort to modernise the electricity grid and improve energy efficiency.

The first smart meters were installed in late January in Nicosia’s Trypiotis district, parts of Yermasoyia and Ayios Athanasios in Limassol, the Finikoudes area in Larnaca, and Kato Paphos.

In February, the EAC installed meters on Nicosia’s Stasikratous, Digeni Akrita, and John Kennedy streets. In Limassol, new meters were placed in Yermasoyia, Ayios Athanasios, Enaerios and Neapolis. Larnaca’s Finikoudes area and Kato Paphos also saw additional installations.

The programme will continue at full speed in April, with installations in Strovolos in Nicosia, Mesa Yitonia and Ayios Athanasios in Limassol, the city centre in Larnaca, and April 1 Avenue area near Kokkinos Supermarket in Paralimni. In Paphos, installations will take place near Paphiakos Stadium.

Consumers will not need to take any action or pay for the installation, as the project is fully funded by the European Union. The only impact they may notice is a temporary power cut of no more than 20 minutes while their meter is being replaced.

The work will be carried out by EAC teams visiting homes and businesses for the switch.