The energy crisis will be with us for some time to come, Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) President Giorgos Shammas has said, at the end of a meeting on energy issues. In statements to the press, Shammas noted that “it is a known fact that since July 11th Cyprus has found itself in an energy crisis situation”, adding that during the meeting President Christofias was briefed on the action taken during the first ten days of the crisis.

Replying to questions on the damage at Cyprus’ main power plant, caused by last week’s massive explosion at the Naval Base “Evaggelos Florakis”, Shammas said that damage estimates are not ready yet, adding however that the estimates prepared will take into account both the financial and the technical aspect of the problem. He said efforts focus on setting a timetable for the reuse of the two newer units of the power plant which are thought to be in a better condition, aiming to have them in good working order by next summer at the latest. He added, however, that engineers still need to enter the power plant and assess the situation objectively and in a professional manner.

He expressed the view that the existing problem of power cuts will lessen once the units from Greece, which can produce a total of 70mw, arrive and start operating, something which is foreseen to take place before August 15th, adding that the summer holidays during August are also expected to ease the power cut situation. Replying to a question about the possibility of a total black out, Shammas said this was “an extremely farfetched possibility”. Shammas said that a special energy crisis committee has been formed with the participation of CERA members, Cyprus Electricity Board senior officials and Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSO) senior officials, who will meet every day to review the situation at hand and ensure that decisions are made and implemented immediately.