Filenews 3 February 2026 - by Eleftheria Paizanou
The EAC has sent an open proposal for cooperation to Cyta, in order to join forces in the energy sector. During the discussion in the Parliamentary Committee on Finance of the bill by which Cyta will be able to carry out activities and use its assets in works or activities in the telecommunications, media, information technology and other similar technology sectors, as well as to expand into the energy and similar energy sectors, the EAC Chairman, George Petrou, stressed that the cooperation of the two organizations is a one-way street.
As he said, the EAC's long-term experience in the energy sector since 1952, its know-how, as well as its willingness, make it a suitable supporter of Cyta's effort, provided that there will be cooperation within the legal and regulatory framework. According to Mr. Petrou, only through the cooperation of the two organizations will it be possible to provide electricity at competitive prices to the consumer public and businesses. On the one hand, the EAC will offer its know-how and on the other hand, Cyta will provide its flexibility and experience in the field of competition," he added.
In fact, he warned that, if this cooperation is not allowed, the two organizations will compete with each other, with possible consequences for consumers.
Lifting of restrictions
He called on the Minister of Energy and the Commission for the Protection of Competition to proceed with regulations that will allow greater flexibility and competitiveness in the EAC, so that it can cooperate with Cyta and other public organizations. Mr. Petrou called for the lifting of restrictions on the conclusion of bilateral energy supply contracts by RES producers, the removal of regulatory restrictions on the energy market by private producers, as well as the exemption of the EAC from public procurement legislation for activities exposed to competition.
Cyta's response
Cyta's president, Maria Tsiakka, responding to the EAC's proposal, said that, despite the good relations between the two organizations, an exclusive cooperation would be difficult, as it could create regulatory issues. As he said, Cyta addresses a very specific and targeted segment of the market.
According to Ms. Tsiakka, these are mainly consumers who do not have their own roof or the possibility of installing photovoltaics and, therefore, the organization seeks to procure energy "as cheaply as possible", given, but not exclusively, cooperation with the EAC.
Telecommunications and energy packages
In relation to Cyta's effort to enter the energy market, the president said that the Organization intends to provide energy from RES, developing its own parks over time, while in the near future it will also be supplied with energy from third-party providers. As he said, among the possible partners may be the EAC, clarifying that even with the use of storage it is not possible to cover the needs of customers 100% from RES, which makes it necessary to purchase conventional energy.
As he noted, the Authority will contribute to the reduction of the cost of electricity borne by households and businesses. According to Ms. Tsiakka, the Organization's entry into the energy sector will offer new clean and affordable energy options and will enhance the utilization of renewable energy sources. At the same time, the Authority will provide combined telecommunications and energy packages.
CERA: The network will remain in the EAC
Representatives of the trade unions were in favour of the bill, pointing out that private companies are already providing telecommunications and energy packages. A representative of CERA stated that the network's activities remain monopolistic in the EAC, while Cyta, if it is active in the production and supply of electricity, will be subject to the same regulatory framework that applies to all providers. The Commissioner for State Aid Control also agreed with the bill.
In support of efforts to reduce energy costs
The members of the Finance Committee said that they are in favour of efforts that will help reduce the cost of electricity. A spokesman for the Ministry of Finance said that, with the bill, Cyta will be able to play an important role as a supplier of renewables, in order to reduce the cost of energy and enter the competitive market. The Ministry of Energy also spoke in favour of the operation of the competitive electricity market, pointing out that the bill is moving in the right direction, as it serves the public interest. However, a ministry spokesman said there was no public consultation on the bill.
