Filenews 13 July 2022 - by Eleftheria Paizanou
The majority of EAC's customers manage, even with a thousand difficulties, to pay their electricity bills every two months, even if they are higher each time. However, there are thousands of people a year who do not succeed and are deprived of electricity.
According to data from the Ministry of Energy forwarded to the Parliament, for the period 2020-2021, the supply of electricity to an average of 9,800 residential customers was interrupted. The corresponding number until mid-June 2022, amounted to 5,200 customers. If the forecasts for a continuous increase in charges are confirmed, perhaps the number this year of those who will be disconnected from the network will exceed last year's.
In relation to residential customers, who had not repaid their debts, in the period 2020-2021 EAC proceeded to cut off electricity on average to 440 customers or a percentage of 4.5%, who belonged to the household tariff with code 08 (these are vulnerable consumers, who benefit from a discount of about 20%). Also, the corresponding number until mid-June 2022 amounted to 250 customers or a percentage of 4,8%, but the amount due on average amounted to €340.
The data are included in a reply letter sent by the Minister of Energy to the ELAM MPs, who recently submitted a proposal for a law, requesting that the EAC cannot cut off electricity, provided that the government will issue relevant decrees. As the Minister notes, the EAC, before proceeding with an order to cut off the power supply, makes every effort to make it easier for the customer to pay the debt. Among other things, an agreement is concluded to repay the amount due in instalments. In case of breach of the agreement, the customer is informed by sms message that in 5 days the provision to his premises will be interrupted. Household customers have the right to apply for inclusion in the Monthly Instalment Scheme.
