Cyprus preparing assistance for families struggling to pay their electricity bills

Cyprus authorities are developing support measures for families experiencing difficulties paying for electricity and other energy costs. At the same time, the plan is to encourage reduced consumption and greater energy efficiency, followed by a transition to the use of renewable energy sources.

As Georgios Tsiamettis, Deputy Director of the Energy Service, said, the authorities want to establish objective criteria to determine which families genuinely need such assistance.

To this end, a draft decree has been prepared to identify households experiencing difficulties paying for energy. The document takes into account the requirements of European legislation and is currently undergoing public consultation, which will continue until 11 September.

The new rules are intended to create a single system for identifying families in need of government support.

In addition, a National Observatory on Energy Affordability is planned. It will monitor the situation, collect data and propose support measures.

The authorities stress that assistance should be targeted and provided first and foremost to those who genuinely cannot cope with the costs of electricity and heating. At the same time, families will be encouraged to reduce energy consumption and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.