Filenews 23 January 2023
The Cyprus Consumers Association announced today at a press conference the launch of a program for the provision of approximately 250 air conditioners aiming at energy saving. As explained by the Association's President, Marios Droussiotis, the Clear-x program aims to help consumers acquire reliable household appliances, at prices lower than retail, through collective purchase. He noted that in a few months, in addition to air conditioners, photovoltaic systems will also be provided through the program.
Mr. Droussiotis stated that the Association's research, in order to find the right appliances, had as its main criteria the reliability, energy saving, but even the simple operation of air conditioners, in order for the special prices to concern quality appliances. This means, as he explained, that in commerce you will also be able to find more economical models, but not at the low prices that the collective market can obtain through this programme. In response to questions at the conference, the issue of profiteering, which can be seen in the market, was also mentioned, with the justification of increased fuel costs.
The website for the registration of those interested in acquiring one of the air conditioning devices through the program, began its operation today, while in a few months a similar website for photovoltaics is expected to operate, after the finalization of the agreement with a supplier. Through the website www.klimatistika.cy anyone can apply, while it is clarified that participation is free and not binding. As explained, the head of the program, Dr. Stamatis Rossides, a few weeks after registering on the website, the interested party will receive a relevant offer, with the total price for the device and its installation, and then he will decide if he wants to proceed with the purchase.
Through the Association's website, the interested party can calculate the savings that a device with upgraded energy characteristics can provide, compared to the device it may have today. In case they have difficulty with the registration process, the Consumers Association can help with this.
Mr. Droussiotis noted that, through the collective purchase of air conditioners, 250 appliances will be made available to consumers, but if there is demand and availability from the supplier, this number may increase. He also underlined that the installation of the devices will be done in accordance with the current legislation in Cyprus, which also provides for the installation of a special component for the safety of the technician operating the device, something that is often omitted. He explained that this cost will be included in the offer price that the interested parties will receive upon their request.
"We expect even greater interest in photovoltaics", Mr. Droussiotis said at the end, but noted that it is unacceptable to delay for months the approvals by the EAC, in order for consumers' investments in photovoltaic systems to pay off. For his part, Mr. Rossides said that efforts are being made so that the supplier for the photovoltaic devices provides vulnerable groups of consumers with the possibility of repayment in monthly instalments, without the burden of interest.
The project, funded by the EU and coordinated by the European consumer organisation, runs in nine European countries, including Cyprus. It is noted that the program is a continuation of Clear 2.0, which was completed in 2020 with 17 collective purchase campaigns and 29.00 RES installations throughout Europe. The target of the current programme is 38,000 installations in Europe, to save 18.2 GWh.
