Cyprus records record electricity consumption

On Thursday, 23 July, Cyprus recorded an all-time high in electricity consumption. According to the Cyprus Transmission System Operator, daytime demand exceeded 1370 MW, marking the highest level ever recorded.

According to Charis Zavallis, Deputy Director of the National Energy System Control Centre, consumption had reached more than 1370 MW by noon and then rose to 1372 MW. It is possible that the figure will approach 1380 MW during the day.

Despite the record load, the operator believes there is no need to introduce new rolling power cuts.

The previous day, power outages were caused by failures at power-generation units at the Dhekelia and Vasilikos power stations. One of the units at Dhekelia has already been partially returned to service; however, instead of the expected 60 MW, it is currently supplying around 30 MW due to technical problems.

Another generating unit at the Vasilikos power station is scheduled to be connected to the grid in the evening. If the start-up is successful, capacity will be sufficient not only to meet current demand but also to create a reserve in case of further faults.